Lakes are amongst the most productive ecosystems of the Earth. Despite its
potential in supporting people’s livelihood in Babati, Lake Babati is being
converted into other land uses due to ever increasing population in town. This work
evaluates the impacts of population increase around Lake Babati in Babati Town
Council. Primary data were gathered by administering the questionnaire to a sample
of 100 households. Participatory rural appraisal techniques, participant observation
and checklist were employed in data collection. The land use types and land use
changes was examined through analysis of satellite imageries. This was attained by
making use of ArcGIS10. The results from the present study showed that there was
a strong relationship (p≤0.05) between education level, occupation and awareness
status of respondent on environmental issues. Also there was a strong association
between the anthropogenic activities in particular agriculture/brick making and lake
degradation. Lack of awareness under the role of environmental sustainability on
lake resources was found to hinder the involvement of local people to Lake Babati
conservation. Thus, this study recommends that, natural resources management
(including lakes) should be incorporated in the program of study of all education
levels to foster awareness raising campaign on role of lake benefits to local people’s
livelihoods. Also proper land use practices should be promoted so as to reduce the
impacts that has been caused on the lake Babati due to poor land use practices in
the study area.