Where The Nile River Starts and Ends
The Nile River is considered to be the longest in the world, stretching 4,132 miles from the Equatorial region of East Africa, to the Mediterranean Sea. It is an integral part of South-East Africa, and it plays a crucial role in the way of life of the people of the region.
The source of the Nile River has been a subject of much debate over the years but, most archaeological evidence points to Lake Victoria in the Equatorial region of East Africa as its beginning. From this point, the river heads northward, winding through many altitudes and forms, before entering Egypt and morphing into a much wider and calmer river.
The Nile River is the main source of water for most of the African countries located along its path. In fact, it is estimated that 85-90% of the water used by people in the 11 countries along its course is provided by the Nile River. This makes it essential to the livelihoods of the 32 million people who live close to it. In reality, the Nile River is vital for the entire region, and its economic, social and political stability.
The Nile is flanked by nine major African countries: Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, and Eritrea. Of these, Egypt overlooks the most of the Nile’s territory, and it is the biggest consumer of its water resources. Other countries in the region benefit from the Nile through generating hydropower, and by having access to a reliable source for irrigation.
The Nile River spans thousands of kilometres and it allows a variety of aquatic species to live in almost all of its areas. Among them, one can find common fish species such as tilapia, bass and perch. Many of these species are consumed by local communities and visitors to the region, making it one of the more economically viable rivers in Africa.
Due to its immense importance, many have discussed the possibility of “taming” the river, that is, using methods to increase the efficiency of agricultural production in the region via irrigation and better use of its waters. The idea of taming the Nile has been met with criticism, given its magnitude and lengthy course. In spite of the controversial nature of the idea, discussions are ongoing and many are hopeful that progress on the project can be made in the near future.
Irrigation and Hydroelectric Power
The Nile River is an invaluable resource for the countries along its course. Irrigation is an essential use of the mighty river given its dry environment, and its cultural and economic context. Through the use of irrigation, agricultural production can increase, allowing for a greater stability in terms of food security and the economy of the region.
Hydroelectric power is another use of the Nile’s immense potential which is oft overlooked. By constructing dams along the river, electricity can be produced for local needs. The Aswan dam, located on the border of Egypt and Sudan, produces a large majority of both countries’ energy.Installing dams along the river has caused some tension between the countries that use the river, given the fact that pressure on the river affects each country differently.
The African countries carry out intense negotiations in order to guarantee that they are all fairly represented when it comes to the use of the Nile’s water resources. As such, it is an incredibly important diplomatic issue seen throughout the Nile basin countries.
Environmental Impact
The Nile River is an absolutely essential body of water, however, its use causes a series of environmental issues. Man-made interventions such as irrigation schemes, cause variations in the salinity of the river’s waters. These variations result in a series of issues for the aquatic species that inhabit it, ultimately diminishing the biodiversity of the area.
Another factor worth considering is the contamination of the river’s waters, caused by sewage and other domestic and industrial waste. This results in blue-green algae blooms, threatening the health of many species in the region. Many campaigns have been created in order to protect the river from contamination.
Industry
The rivers along the Nile provide a great source of income for the countries along its course. The practice of fishing is highly popular, however, there are other industries connected to the river, such as hydroelectric energy production and transport. The latter, in particular, is highly valued given the river’s long and winding nature, expanding over immense distances, making it the ideal body of water for the transportation of goods from one country to the other.
Moreover, the Nile is a major attraction for tourists from all around the world, interested in exploring the landscapes, cultures, and historical sites amidst its waters. The combination of these different industries has made the Nile River one of the more important economic sources of Africa’s countries.
Religion and Culture
The Nile River has been an integral part of many African beliefs and religions since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians, for instance, saw it as a divine source of life, capable of providing sustenance to their civilization. Worship of the river was widely popular in Ancient Egypt, prompting the hippopotamus-headed goddess Hapi to arise, associated with the fertility and moisture that the river provided.
In modern Africa, the reverence for the river is still strong, with many communities living close to its banks. Ethnic groups such as the Nubians, in particular, depend heavily on the waters of the Nile, and consider them to be a symbol of their identity and culture.
The Nile River is subject to heavy traffic of commercial and passenger ships due to its size and course. The Suez Canal, located at the mouth of the river, provides a possible route to the Mediterranean, which allows for a variety of shipping and trade opportunities. Boats regularly navigate through its waterways, transporting various goods to retailers, markets and villages throughout the region.
The Egyptian government invested heavily in the Egyptian Maritime Transport Authority, and various port initiatives along the river. This caused a rapid growth in maritime traffic, making the Nile a remarkably important channel for commercial use.
Conclusion
The Nile River is a remarkable source of water, livelihood, and need for the millions that live in East Africa and along its course. Its importance has been recognized by many cultures and civilizations, making it an integral part of the region’s modern day identity. Although the potential of the river is vast, pollution and environmental degradation still cause it harm. As such, it is vital that governments in the region protect it from over use and contamination, in order to preserve its natural beauty, and its potential for generating a better quality of life for the people of the Nile basin.
