MAJOR DRAINAGE FEATURES OF ZAMBIA

Let us now discuss the drainage features of Zambia, as part of our prep time. But we shall first understand the meaning of drainage.

• Drainage refers to the system of rivers, lakes and swamps.
• The drainage of Zambia refers to how rainwater is drained by rivers that flow into lakes and swamps, and eventually into the oceans.
• The fresh water lakes, rivers and swamps that make up the water supply of Zambia have many functions and uses.

Functions/importance/uses of Drainage Features of Zambia

Transportation:

• Most lakes are used by locals as a means for transportation of people and domestic goods for their own use, as well as for exports to other countries.
• Many Zambian families who live near rivers and lakes use small boats as a form of transport as part of their daily lives, such as for going to school or to work.
• Lake Tanganyika for example, is used to transport sugar and cement to the Great Lakes region of Rwanda and Burundi, as well as to Tanzania.

Farming:

• Some rivers and lakes provide water for irrigating a wide variety of crops farmed in Zambia, as well as water for cattle and poultry to drink. 

Fishing:

• Fishing is an important industry, both in the form of catching fish occurring naturally in rivers and lakes and fish farming.

Power generation:

Hydro-electric power stations make an important contribution to Zambia’s power supply by using the power of falling water to generate electricity.

Hydro-electric power stations are found at Lake Kariba and at the Kafue Gorge on the Kafue River.

For domestic use

It includes washing, cooking, drinking, bathing and other domestic use.

Tourism:

• Tourists from all over the world enjoy observing the rich wildlife along Zambia’s waterways.
• But they do not always realize the dangers that water animals such as hippos and crocodiles present to both visitors and local people who make use of the Countries Rivers and lakes.
• Hippos are responsible for more deaths in Africa each year than any type of wild animal.