(Related Information)
Central Africa
Lake Chad
once was the sixth–largest lake in the world, but in 45
years it has shrunk to half the size of Rhode Island – only
10 percent of its earlier size.
The shallow body of water borders four countries: Cameroon,
Chad, Niger and Nigeria – and provides water to 20 million
people.
In Nigeria, the shrinking lake has a huge effect on human
health – farmers find it more difficult to siphon water into
irrigation and they have a harder time growing food, which
means people become more vulnerable to diseases like malaria
and yellow fever.
Scientists say water diversion (irrigation and new dams on
nearby rivers) and drought are equally to blame for the
shrinking lake levels.
