Introduction
The Nile River is considered to be the longest river in the world, extending over 4,258 miles from the mountains of Ethiopia to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. What is lesser known is that the river is made up of two different rivers, the White Nile and the Blue Nile. The two rivers both originate in different parts of Africa, however it is these two rivers that come together to form the mighty Nile.
The White Nile
The White Nile, also known as Bahr el Abiad or river of the White Waters, is the longest and most important tributary of the Nile. Its points of origin are the streams that flow from Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world. From its catchment lake, the White Nile flows north through Uganda, passing through Lake Kyoga before entering the Albert Nile, which eventually merges into Lake Albert near Juba in South Sudan. After a lengthy course, the White Nile eventually flows into the north of Sudan, of which the capital, Khartoum, marks the point in which the White Nile, and Blue Nile merge to form the single Nile River.
The Blue Nile
The Blue Nile, also known as Abay or Tekeze, originates at Lake Tana in Ethiopia and is the other tributary that contributes to the formation of the Nile. Tana is a great source of water and supplies up to three quarters of the water that flows into the Nile. The Blue Nile, which is the main source of water for the massive region of Ethiopia, is the more powerful river, carrying twice the amount of water than the White Nile, during the rainy season.
What They Join To Create
The waters from the two rivers eventually come together in the city of Khartoum, Sudan. It is here that the Nile is at its widest and surging with an excess of water. This joining point also serves as an important trading point for the region and has a great importance to the population as a result. The Nile from this point down, serves to provide water to the entire region and it is this merging point of the White and Blue Nile that make it possible.
Impacts of the Nile Rivers
The Nile has a major influence on the landscapes along its path and the lives of the many people that inhabit those places. It provides regions with water to use for various activities such as fishing, navigation and agriculture. In a time of drought many African countries rely on the annual flooding of the Nile to water their fields and sustain their population. The rivers also provide important wildlife habitats and contribute to a variety of ecosystems.
Conservation of the Rivers
The two rivers that contribute to the might Nile are both facing ever-increasing challenges from climate change, human activities, industrial pollution and the building of dams that are reducing the amount of water that is available for farming, irrigation and for the many animal species native to the region. It is vital that conservation efforts are made to ensure that the two rivers are preserved for generations to come.
Dams and their Impact
Because of the high volume of water passing through the Nile, it is important that regulations are in place to safeguard against flooding. The construction of dams across the two rivers helps regulate the flow of water and ensure that water levels remain steady through the various seasons. Unfortunately, the presence of these dams has lead to the displacement of many people, irreparable damage to the environment, and the disruption of natural habitats.
Agricultural Benefits of the Nile
Yet, the presence of these dams also brings benefits to the many nations along the Nile. The steady flow of water provided by the dams allows for large-scale irrigation and farming throughout these regions. Agricultural activities along the Nile account for a large portion of the income throughout the region and create jobs for the local population.
Economic Impact of the Nile
The presence of the two rivers – the White and Blue Nile, creates a massive impact to the economic structure throughout the region. The rivers provide transportation and commodities for many countries and the fishing industry, which relies heavily on the Nile for fish, brings in a large portion of the foreign income in the many African countries that are located along the route.
The Nile and its Role in Society
The Nile’s importance has been well documented throughout history, serving as the major source of sustenance and economic activity for the many countries along its path. It is this merging of the White and Blue Nile that creates this great river. Through its many contributions, the Nile provides a source of life and livelihood for many of the people located along its banks.
