REPORT ON THE SALT PROBLEMS IN LOWER SHIRE REGION, MALAWI.

Author: Kristin Opsal

Year: 2007

Category: Dissertations

Abstract

Lower Shire region in southern Malawi. One of the main problems in this region seems to be salt related problems. Particularly high concentrations of sodium and chloride have been reported for the groundwater in Lover Shire Valley, both as a result of evaporation and dissolution of evaporite minerals. High salinity is problematic because alternative water sources are not readily available. Soil erosion in Malawi is one of the major types of land degradation that poses the biggest threat to sustainable agriculture. Climate change is affecting the water sources in Malawi. With increased frequency and magnitude of floods, groundwater recharge may increase. This is particular a case in semi-arid and arid areas like Lower Shire region, where heavy rainfall and floods are the major sources of groundwater recharge. This paper demonstrates that there are several challenges in the Lower Shire region that require attention. There also is a need for better understanding of the processes leading to salt problems. Keywords: Salinisation, groundwater, climate change consequences, Lower Shire region, Malawi.

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