Lake Victoria in East Africa, the world’s second largest lake, is endowed with abundant water and other natural resources. The lake is transboundary and of significance to its basin countries – which are also East African Community (EAC) partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania) – and basin communities because of its role in supporting valuable ecosystem services, livelihood systems and economic activities. The basin’s natural resource endowments include water resources (the lake’s estimated volume is 2,700 km3); rivers, streams and wetlands; abundant and fertile land; natural forest resources; minerals; and wildlife, including a high annual fish yield estimated at more than $550 million. It also hosts the crested crane and the globally threatened sitatunga – a swamp dwelling antelope.
The inclusive green economy concept promises a new economic growth pathway that is both ecologically benign and contributes to social equity and poverty eradication. Inclusive green economy underscores social equity or inclusion in the pursuance of a green economy or green growth. It is against this backdrop that the present report gives an assessment of how the application of inclusive green economy-related principles in selected projects of the Lake Victoria Basin has contributed to the sustainable management of its water resources.