Abstract
Sensitivity of water resources to hydro-climatic variations is a key constraint to development. Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) was employed to assess vulnerability of water resources to climate variability by computing mean annual rainfall for five stations with the least record of 20 years. SPI values in Bui range from -0.1 to -0.45. These extreme conditions have led to severe water shortages. Water output was collected from Kumbo Water Authority and Camerounais Des Eaux (Jakiri). Population perceptions on changing water levels and reliability were captured through 200 questionnaires administered across six hydrological basins. Results revealed that springs, streams, pipe-borne water, wells/boreholes have reduced significantly. Respondents also perceived that rainfall has become unreliable because of inconsistent onset of first rains and cessation of the wet season. This calls for enhancement of existing water resources and protection of watersheds to ensure sustainability.
Highlights
More than 22.8 million people in 48 countries, most of them in Sub-Saharan Africa, will face severe water stress by 2025 [1]
An annual Coefficient of Variation (CV) of less 20% is an indicator that rainfall is reliable, while a threshold of more than 20% indicates that rainfall is unreliable [14]
The Bui Plateau has a wet season that covers a period of eight months and a dry season spell of about four months
Summary
More than 22.8 million people in 48 countries, most of them in Sub-Saharan Africa, (including Cameroon) will face severe water stress by 2025 [1]. Climate affects water resources negatively through decreasing precipitation against a backdrop of rising temperatures [5] With all these changes, water availability, stability, access and utilisation are becoming uncertain. Field evidence reveals that during the dry season and even at the heart of the rainy season, water rationing prevails for days and sometimes several weeks This is a clear indication of depleting underground water resources, triggered by hydro–ecological despoliation of watersheds due to the colonization of headwaters by eucalyptus plantations, over-grazing, unsustainable agriculture and deforestation. Drainage properties of the Bui Plateau are significant in water resources planning This stems from Horton (1945) who concluded that stream frequency (Fs) indicates the number of streams in an area based on ground and permanent surface waters available in a geographic space. These values together with the underlying geology, land use and other environmental conditions are very critical in water resources planning and management
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