Abstract
In some parts of Africa, rainfall variability has resulted in widespread droughts and floods, thus posing a substantial challenge to water availability in rural areas, especially drinking water. Therefore, due to increasing water demands, increases in the population, and economic development, water supply systems are under constant stress. One of the critical uncertainties surrounding the effects of rainfall variability in Africa is the significant impact that it imposes on rural water supply services. The present study analyzes the trends in annual and seasonal rainfall time series in the Wami River Basin to see if there have been any significant changes in the patterns during the period 1983–2017 and how they affect the access to water supply services in rural areas. The study analyzes the trends of rainfall series of three stations using simple regression, Mann–Kendal Test and Sen’s Slope Estimator. The water point mapping datasets were analyzed considering seasonal variation. The analysis showed a statistically significant positive trend in annual rainfall at Kongwa and March–April–May (MAM) seasonal rainfall at Dakawa. The maximum increase in annual rainfall occurred at Kongwa (5.3 mm year−1) and for MAM seasonal data at Dakawa (4.1 mm year−1). Water points were found to be significantly affected by seasonal changes, both in terms of availability and quality of water. There also exists a strong relationship between rural water services and seasons.
Highlights
Rainfall is the most critical meteorological phenomenon on earth for the natural environment and human life, making it the most vital ecological factor [1]
Though water supply systems are under constant stress due to growing water demands, economic development, and increases in the population [3], one of the critical concerns surrounding the effects of rainfall variability in Africa is the significant impact that it imposes on rural water supply services [4]
The results show that sufficient water is available at the water points during the wet season (Figures 6 and 7), with a significant number of water points changing from providing an insufficient amount during the dry season to providing a sufficient amount during the wet season
Summary
Rainfall is the most critical meteorological phenomenon on earth for the natural environment and human life, making it the most vital ecological factor [1]. Though water supply systems are under constant stress due to growing water demands, economic development, and increases in the population [3], one of the critical concerns surrounding the effects of rainfall variability in Africa is the significant impact that it imposes on rural water supply services [4]. Water is a requirement for human existence and changes in its supply can potentially have significant consequences, mainly in rural areas, where the population depends on local rivers for their water supply [5]. Rainfall trend analysis at different temporal and spatial scales is a vital concern [6,7]
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