Great Ruaha River: Location, History & Best Time to Visit

Until 1975, the Great Ruaha River was a robust, voluminous watercourse, showing vigorous flow for the majority of the time, with only minimal reductions during exceptionally arid years. Today it ceases entirely for approximately four to five months annually.

In 1975, the inaugural rice farm was created in the Usangu Basin, which contributes to the Great Ruaha River. This was the Mbarali Rice Scheme, and in that same year, the river nearly ceased to flow for one week. However, no one paid any attention. This trend persisted annually, occasionally resulting in a near cessation of flow for four weeks, with only a minimal trickle during the arid months of October and November. The Kapunga rice project was inaugurated in 1987 in the same region. This time with more of an impact on the flow, in the data captured it indicates anything from 16 – 56 no flow days. in the arid season from October to November

In 1998, the Madibira Rice plan was inaugurated, and that same year a new record of ‘no flow’ days—totaling 12 weeks or 86 days—was recorded. The quantity of ‘no flow’ days has consistently risen annually, reflecting the significant expansion of rice acreage and the increasing number of water users.

Rivers typically originate as small highland streams and small rivulets that converge, progressively amalgamating with more rivulets, until culminating in substantial rivers. All of this originates from the billions of little raindrops that descend annually from the heavens, resembling magic. The Great Ruaha River is similarly situated. It features an extensive, meandering route spanning hundreds of kilometers, traversing varied terrains and populations.

This narrative of a deteriorating river parallels several accounts of rivers globally, where water is vital for agriculture. Agriculture that transforms once abundant, perennial water sources into meager trickles for extended periods, followed by complete desiccation. We may all be culpable of failing to recognize the broader perspective, the nationwide, West to East vista that this river encompasses.

If a river extends that far, could not our vision do the same? To disregard the ‘wholeness’ of any being is to overlook its continuity and vitality. This river formerly supported a variety of populations, activities, and ecosystems; however, it is now predominantly utilized for rice cultivation and a limited number of other minor crops. This occurs in a relatively tiny region of the country, with a relatively small population. It no longer possesses the capacity to accommodate the substantial population it once served along the route.

The question remains: is this correct? Is it incorrect? Alternatively, there may exist a middle ground. Amidst the rationalizations of ‘shoulds’ and ‘shouldn’ts,’ is there not a balance to be attained?

I firmly advocate for equilibrium. Balance is a concept that should be scrutinized in all aspects of our daily lives, and similarly, it may be applied to the existence of the planet. Ultimately, we are unified; Planet Earth is our shared domicile, and our existence is contingent upon it. Therefore, it is undoubtedly in our best interest to care for it with the same kindness and affection we extend to our own families.

The rice cultivation activities have significantly impacted this watercourse. I find it implausible to evade this reality. Nonetheless, I contend that it is feasible to cultivate rice while maintaining a moving river. My findings over the years suggest that the significant deficiency in dry season flow is primarily attributable to inadequate water management.

In 2009, my hypothesis was validated. It was the second year that Ruaha National Park establish its expanded limits, which included the Usangu marsh. Eager to enhance dry-season flows, the park initiated a prototype project that involved closing the pertinent gates directing water into the paddies along the Ndembera River, resulting in the continuous flow of the Ruaha River through the park year-round. Although the flow was minimal, it sufficed to demonstrate that altering the situation is feasible with increased caution.
From the year 2000 onward, the elevated rainy season flows, such as the annual instances of the river overflowing its banks, abruptly ceased. The floods during the wet season are no longer substantial; frequently, they do not even reach bank to bank. Significant loss of wet season has seriously compromised the river’s integrity during both the dry and wet seasons. In 2000, the entirety of the ‘Great’ segment of the Ruaha River perished. The annual rainy season floods were crucial to the river’s ecology, resulting in a nearly unrecognizable transformation of the riverbed since that period. Currently, we observe these substantial flows exclusively during a ‘El Niño’ year.

In 2000, numerous minor and nuanced alterations commenced within the river environment, resulting in a decline in the water level of the Mtera Dam. This suggested that the number of farmers irrigating land during the wet season had significantly increased.

This persists, and I believe it is unsustainable. Certainly not if one aims to preserve a continuous river that will run to the Indian Ocean and continue to benefit numerous populations along its extensive and meandering path. Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that our attention is presently directed towards the farmers in Usangu. However, it will not be long before they too experience suffering, akin to the plight of Ruaha National Park, due to the rapidly increasing number of farmers upstream in the highland watershed.

We must consider if we wish to preserve this water for future generations or if we are merely inclined to exploit it in the present and allow it to deplete. Although our current emphasis is on ‘no flows’ in Ruaha National Park, this is really superficial. It will not be long before we encounter a complete cessation of inflows into the Usangu Basin. It is crucial to acknowledge that no one intends to disrupt anyone’s life or hinder their ability to earn a livelihood; the objective is to enhance well-being while simultaneously ensuring balance with nature’s resources. By wasting resources, particularly water, we are ultimately wasting the future of our children.

I am not a scientist and do not claim to possess all the answers; nonetheless, as previously stated, it is fundamentally about equilibrium. Nature maintains a perpetual equilibrium; this is its inherent nature and wisdom.

I believe it is very feasible to restore equilibrium to the river situation; this does not need the cessation of rice cultivation, but rather a modification of our existing practices. We must adopt a different perspective and explore ways to optimize the situation for the benefit of all.

Ultimately, can we achieve unity as a “us” instead of a “us” vs “them” dynamic? Is this not the primary obstacle? Ultimately, every individual possesses a significant role in the world, and no one is inherently more exceptional or valuable than another. Considering these little suggestions, I believe it is entirely feasible to restore equilibrium to the magnificent Great Ruaha River, which benefits many, for the advancement of Tanzania. VISIT GREAT RIVER RUAHA 

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