Lake Victoria Initiative
The Lake Victoria Initiative is Pendo Earth Foundation's flagship field project, focused on addressing increasing ecological pressure and livelihood vulnerability in communities along the lake.
Pilot phase, baseline assessment, community engagement, and early-stage agroforestry implementation.
The Challenge
Lake Victoria's ecosystems are under growing strain from unsustainable fishing practices, expanding external commercial activity, and localized pollution. At the same time, communities remain heavily dependent on these increasingly stressed systems for their livelihoods.
Our Approach
This project pilots a community-led model that reduces pressure on aquatic ecosystems by transforming local food systems and introducing viable, land-based alternatives. The approach focuses on:
- Establishing agroforestry systems as sustainable income sources
- Supporting gradual shifts away from dependence on stressed aquatic systems
- Engaging communities in practical, locally grounded solutions
- Strengthening understanding of the relationship between ecosystem health and livelihoods
Why It Matters
By transforming local food systems and creating viable alternatives, this project supports the recovery of aquatic ecosystems, protects biodiversity, and reduces stress on aquatic species. It demonstrates how practical, community-led solutions can contribute to ecological integrity, reduce pressure on aquatic species, and strengthen long-term livelihood stability.
Scenes from Matoso Village
