ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION AND CHALLENGES OF LAKE HAWASSA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Lake is a body of water surrounded on all side by land. Lake water is still or standing, meaning, it does not flow. Lakes are among the most fragile environments due to anthropogenic effects alongside natural phenomena that can trigger rapid environmental changes to their ecosystems. The purpose of this study was too recognized or identifies the contribution and challenges of Lake Hawassa .Both primary and secondary sources of data were used for this study. The primary sources include questionnaires, interview, and field observation. Based on the Data Lake Hawassa was affected by a lot of challenges such as urbanization, agricultural expansion, damping of wastes from factory and city. There is also degradations that affect Lake Hawassa such as reduction of water volume, reduction of fish production, water pollution and reduction of biodiversity. The contribution of lake Hawassa for community such as recreation, crop production, fishery production and horticulture production. Generally, to reduce challenges and increase benefits of lake Hawassa training should be given create awareness for community and there should be strong management with implementation of laws and policies for Lake.