COUNTRY FILES (Contd.)

BURUNDI

1. GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE (Welcomme, 1979a)

Burundi has a surface area of 27 830 km². Most of the country consists of grassy uplands and hills reaching an altitude of 2 600 m. The Ruzizi Valley and the very narrow shores surrounding Lake Tanganyika in the west are somewhat lower in altitude.

Although it is situated just south of the equator, the upland temperatures of Burundi are low because of its altitude. The Ruzizi Valley and the shores of Lake Tanganyika are somewhat warmer. There is a short dry season in January; major rains occur from February to May. The major dry season lasts from May to September, and is followed by a second rainy spell.

Burundi is occupied by pastoral peoples who have settled the hills. There is also intensive agriculture; coffee is the main cash crop. There is some irrigated agriculture within the Ruzizi Valley, which involves heavy applications of pesticides.

2. HYDROGRAPHY

2.1 Lakes (see Fig. 1)

The largest body of water in Burundi is the northeastern corner of Lake Tanganyika. About 2 600 km² of this lake lie within the boundaries of the country, representing about 8% of its total area. The lake is very deep and the shoreline plunges steeply downward. There are some small lakes (Upper Kagera* Lakes Complex) in the north of the country associated with the Akanyaru River. Largest of these are Lakes Cyohoha South and Rugwero, which are situated between Burundi and Rwanda. Three smaller lakes (Kazigiri, Lirwihindi and Kakamurindi) complete the series.

2.2 Rivers, Floodplains and Swamps (see Fig. 1)

There are no rivers in Burundi of major importance to fisheries. The Ruzizi River, which flows from Lake Kivu toward Lake Tanganyika, is relatively small and swift flowing. In the northern part of the country the tributaries of the Akanyaru River drain toward the Kagera in Rwanda and eventually Lake Victoria in Tanzania.

The main rivers are the Ruvubu (130 km in Burundi), the Kagera (border with Rwanda in the north), and the Malagarazi (border with Tanzania in the southeast), i.e., about 400 km in Burundi with a surface area of about 80 km² (Ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Elevage/FAO, 1988).

There are a number of small floodplains and swamps in the north and southeast.

2.3 Reservoirs

There are three important reservoirs: Mugere (Province Bujumbura), Rwegura (Province Kayanza), and Ruhoha (Province Muyinga). Ruhoha Reservoir has been stocked with fish (Ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Elevage/FAO, 1988).

* Also called “Akagera”

2.4 Coastal Lagoons

None; Burundi is landlocked.

3. FISHERY PRODUCTION/POTENTIAL

3.1 Aquaculture

The geography and the hydrological network are well suited to fish culture, although the water characteristics are rather poor (low pH: 5.5–6.5; low temperature; low conductivity: below 100 μ S/cm). Aquaculture was introduced in the 1950's (about 352 ponds), but almost abandoned in the 1960's. A recent Peace Corps project (USAID 1985–87) rehabilitated rural aquaculture (425 ponds for 848 ares).

Fish species:
Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia rendalli, Oreochromis tanganicae, Clarias sp. (Min. Agric. et Elevage/FAO, 1988; Corsi et al., 1986)

3.2 Fish production and per caput supply

Table 1. FISH PRODUCTION AND PER CAPUT SUPPLY - Burundi, 1970–1987

¹ Source: FAO
² Source: FAO Fisheries Dept. FISHDAB, after Ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Elevage, Burundi
³ included in “Inland capture” if not specified
⁴ - = data not available
⁵ See also item 3.3 on page 32
⁶ Vincke, 1989 (pers.comm.)

Fig. 1. HYDROGRAPHY OF BURUNDI
(adapted from: J. Gahama, 1983)

3.3 Inland catch range and potential yield

Table 2. INLAND CATCH RANGE AND POTENTIAL YIELD

¹ Sources: Corsi et al., 1986; Mikkola & Lindquist, 1989; Min. Agric. Elevage/FAO, 1988.

4. STATE OF THE FISHERY

4.1 Yield

Practically all of the fish caught in Burundi come from Lake Tanganyika. Only a small amount of fish for local consumption are taken from the lakes in the north of the country. There are three main types of fishery on Lake Tanganyika: a “traditional fishery” operated from dug-out canoes using hand nets, seine nets and gill nets; a “small scale fishery” operating from catamarans using lift nets; and an “industrial fishery” operating from larger vessels using purse seines. The two latter categories and, to some extent, the first, fish for ‘Ndagala’ with light attraction. The “traditional fishery” also uses beach seines for small cichlids. Mainstay of the fisheries is the ‘Ndagala’, which consists of two species: Limnothrissa miodon, Stolothrissa tanganicae; and the “Mukeke”, Luciolates stappersii.

The FAO project for research into the lake fish stocks estimated that the mean sustainable yield from the lake fisheries would be about 17 000 t/yr; the present catch levels fluctuate around this level.

4.2 Factors influencing yield

The fishery in Lake Tanganyika concentrates on a stock of pelagic fish whose density probably depends on the concentrations elsewhere in the lake. At present Burundi (in the north) and Zambia (in the south) are the only areas of the lake where catches are approaching the maximum that can be predicted. By far the greater part of the lake is still exploited at a relatively low level. As exploitation increases generally, the Burundi catch may be affected.

The increase in the number of fishing units (catamarans and industrial vessels) in 1983 and 1984, together with the recent decrease of catches and the higher percentage of Ndagala caught, tends to show that the threshold to over-exploitation is close. Lake Cyohoha, with its poor plankton and fishing effort that does not pay (0.8 kg/day/fisherman), may also be at the maximum of its exploitation. Production in Lake Rugwero already reached the estimated potential yield.

4.3 Future development possibilities

As the Lake Tanganyika pelagic fishery is approaching maximum exploitation it is difficult to see that the production of freshwater fish in Burundi can be significantly increased. The northern lakes are small and seem already exploited at their maximum production. A study on Cyohoha Lake should be undertaken to evaluate fish stocks and actual yield potential. Higher fish supply in Burundi should be expected through the development of aquaculture.

5. KEY BIBLIOGRAPHY

Corsi et al., 1986
Ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Elevage/FAO, 1988.

6. WATER BODIES DIRECTORY

LAKE CYOHOHA
(International water)

LAKE INGITAMO

LAKE KACAMURINDA (= CAMIRINDA)

LAKE KANZIGIRI

LAKE LIRWIHINDA (= RWIHINDA)

LAKE RUGWERO
(International water)

LAKE RUNGAZI

Fig. 2. LAKE TANGANYIKA
(Welcomme, 1972)

LAKE TANGANYIKA
(International water)

Total annual catch and effort in Burundi waters:

Total annual catch and effort in total Lake:

Potential annual yield:

KAGERA RIVER
(also called AKAGERA RIVER)
(International water)

MALAGARASI RIVER
(International water)

RUVUBU RIVER
(International water)

RUZIZI RIVER
(International water)

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Beauchamp, 1939
Corsi, Dunn & Felicioni, 1986
Dubois, 1958
Grahama, 1983
Greenwood, 1964
Kiss, 1976a; 1977a
Melack, 1976
Mikkola & Lindquist, 1989
Ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Elevage, Republique du Burundi/FAO, 1988
Talling & Talling, 1965
Welcomme, 1972; 1979a

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

1. GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE (Welcomme, 1979a)

Central African Republic has a surface area of 622 980 km². Essentially a well-watered plateau, the uplands (circa 1 500 m altitude) serve as a watershed dividing the Chari Basin from that of the Oubangui/Zaire. Most of the country is open savanna tending to become more arid toward the north. There is some rain forest in the extreme southwest and semi-desert in the northeast.

The climate is fairly consistent over most of the country with rains well dispersed throughout the year. There is, however, a drier period from December through April and a wetter period from May through October.

The Central African Republic has an entirely agricultural economy with a largely rural population, most of which is concentrated in the south of the country. There are large tracts of wild and uninhabited land.

2. HYDROGRAPHY (see Figure 1)

2.1 Lakes

There is one medium-sized lake in the North (Lake Mamoun). Small lakes are abundant on the floodplains of the larger rivers.

2.2 Rivers, Floodplains and Swamps (Welcomme, 1979a)

The Central African Republic is divided into two main watersheds:

To the south there is the Zaire Basin, where the Oubangui (together with its headstream, the Mbomou) forms the southern border of the country for over 1 000 km, and is fed by numerous small rivers. The Mambere drains into the Sangha River, which also feeds the Zaire River.

To the north two main blocks of rivers flow toward the Chari River. In the northeast there is the Bahr Aouk and in the northwest the Bamingui and Ouham.

Extensive floodplains (circa 30 000 km²) are developed in both blocks.

2.3 Reservoirs

There are several small dams in the country, some (i.e. Boukoko and Baoro) reaching an area of several hectares.

2.4 Coastal Lagoons

There are no coastal lagoons; the country is landlocked.

3. FISHERY PRODUCTION/POTENTIAL

3.1 Aquaculture (Deceuninck, 1985; Vincke, 1989 pers.comm.)

Aquaculture was introduced in Central African Republic in 1952 and reached its maximum development in 1958 (12 000 to 20 000 ponds), before decreasing in the 1960's. Aquaculture rehabilitation started in 1968 with FAO/UNDP regional project, followed by other projects. In 1984, about 8 500 fishfarmers were exploiting some 10 000 ponds for a total area of 127 ha (see Table 1) (Deceuninck, 1985). Aquaculture production started decreasing again in 1985 (Vincke, 1989, pers.comm.). Aquaculture yield potential is estimated at 3 500 t/yr.

Table 1. EVOLUTION OF AQUACULTURE, Central African Republic, 1974–1984
(after Deceuninck, 1985)

Main fish species raised:
Oreochromis niloticus (190 t in 1986);
Clarias gariepinus (C.lazera) (3 t in 1986);
Heterotis niloticus.

Evolution of Rural Aquaculture, 1984–1988
(cited by Janssen, 1989)

3.2 Fish Production and per caput Supply

Table 2. FISH PRODUCTION - Central African Republic, 1970–1987

¹ Source: FAO
² Sources: FAO Fisheries Department FISHDAB
Department “Forêts Chasses et Pêches”, C.A.R. Forêts Chasses et Pêches/PNUD/FAO Report, 1985 PNUD/FAO Report, 1982
³ included in “Inland Capture” if not specified
⁴ Deceuninck, 1985
⁵ Vincke, M., 1989, (pers.comm.)

3.3 Inland catch range and potential yield

Table 3. INLAND CATCH RANGE AND POTENTIAL YIELD

* included in “Other water bodies”
** rough estimate

4. STATE OF THE FISHERY (mainly after Welcomme, 1979a)

4.1 Yield

The nominal catch is approximately 10 000 t, about 80% of which originates from the northern floodplain. There is a small but significant yield from aquaculture which is now widely spread in the south of the country.

4.2 Factors influencing yield

The rivers of the Oubangui Basin are reputedly not very productive. They have no true floodplain and their fisheries are unable to meet the demand for fish in Bangui. The northern floodplains are quite productive and could produce substantially more fish. They are, however, far from the main centres of population and are badly served by roads. Furthermore, they are subject to fluctuating rainfall and were severely affected by the 1981–1984 Sahelian drought. Another constraint is the shortage of fishing equipment.

4.3 Future development possibilities

Inland fisheries should increase in importance in the Central African Republic over the next few years. The productivity of the northern floodplains may be realized to a greater extent and aquaculture could eventually make a significant contribution to the total catch (aquaculture potential annual yield: 3 500 t with the existing ponds).

5. KEY BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deceuninck, 1985

Fig. 1. FISHERY MAP OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
(Vennetier et al., 1984)

6. WATER BODIES DIRECTORY

LAKE MAMOUN

BAHR AOUK RIVER AND FLOODPLAIN
(International water)

BAHR KAMEUR RIVER AND FLOODPLAIN

KOTTO RIVER

OUHAM RIVER AND FLOODPLAIN
(International water)

SANGHA RIVER
(International water)

UBANGI/OUBANGUI RIVER
(International water)

BAORO RESERVOIR

BOUKOKO RESERVOIR

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deceuninck, 1985
Dèpartement Forêts, Chasses et Pêches - RCA/PNUD/FAO, 1985
Gosse, 1968
Janssen, 1989
Micha, 1973
PNUD/FAO, 1982
Vennetier et al., 1984
Welccomme, 1979a

COMOROS

1. GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE

Comoros (with a surface area of 2 170 km²) consists of 3 main islands and several smaller ones, all of volcanic origin. The islands are variable in topography and include heavily forested hilly terrain, plateaus, lava fields and coastal lowlands.

There is a hot humid monsoon season (November to April) and a drier cooler season (May to October). Cyclones and tidal waves are frequent during the summer.

The economy is almost entirely based on agriculture.

2. HYDROGRAPHY

2.1 Lakes

There are two small permanent lakes on Anjouan Island.

2.2 Rivers, Floodplains and Swamps

There are a few short streams.

2.3 Reservoirs

There are no impoundments.

2.4 Coastal Lagoons

There are no coastal lagoons.

3. FISHERY PRODUCTION/POTENTIAL

3.1 Aquaculture

There is no aquaculture in Comoros (Vincke, 1989, pers. comm.)

3.2 Fish production and per caput supply (see Table 1)

3.3 Inland catch range and potential yield: none

4. STATE OF THE FISHERY

4.1 Yield

There is no significant inland fishery yield of any kind.

4.2 Factors influencing yield

The lack of significant inland water resources.

4.3 Future development possibilities

In view of the large marine potential and lack of inland waters, no inland fishery is likely to develop in the foreseeable future.

Table 1. FISH PRODUCTION AND PER CAPUT SUPPLY - Comoros, 1970–1987

¹ Source: FAO
² Source: FAO Fisheries Department FISHDAB