Q. Which one of the following lakes of West Africa has become dry and turned into a desert? (UPSC Prelims 2022)
Answer:
Lake Faguibine
Notes: The correct answer is
[B] Lake Faguibine.Located in Mali, north of Timbuktu, Lake Faguibine was once one of the largest lakes in West Africa, fed by the annual flooding of the Niger River. Since the late 1970s and 1980s, persistent droughts and the silting of the channels that connect it to the river have caused the lake to dry up almost completely, effectively turning parts of its bed into a desert landscape.
- Lake Faguibine (Statement B – Correct): It historically supported a vibrant ecosystem of fishing and agriculture. Its disappearance has caused significant environmental migration and desertification in the Sahel region.
- Lake Victoria (Statement A – Incorrect): This is the largest tropical lake in the world, located in East Africa (shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda). It is not in West Africa and remains a massive water body, though it faces pollution and invasive species issues.
- Lake Oguta (Statement C – Incorrect): This is a lean-water finger lake in Imo State, Nigeria. It is the largest natural lake in southeastern Nigeria and remains an active water source.
- Lake Volta (Statement D – Incorrect): Located in Ghana, this is one of the world's largest man-made reservoirs, created by the Akosombo Dam. It is a major source of hydroelectric power and remains full of water.
The drying of Lake Faguibine is a classic example of the "creeping" desertification affecting the Saharan fringe due to climate change and human interference with water systems.