ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the historical dimensions of ecological relationships than has been usual in the development research of the area. It focuses on local responses to extreme floods since the nineteenth century. The chapter demonstrates the continuing importance of the far eastern plains, an area ‘indirectly’ affected by the main river floods, to the peoples ‘directly’ affected by heavy river flooding. It examines the historical patterns to some of the environmental problems already being produced by the unfinished construction of the Jonglei canal. The use of the Jonglei canal to redirect a substantial portion of the flow to a new exit point will alter water distribution both to the west and east of the swamp. The Jonglei canal will not completely control river floods; rather, it may intrude the problem of flooding directly into major population areas. The canal interposes between the toic and the Duk ridge and is already an impediment to dry season movements.
