Watershed Management Practices Research Articles

Climate change projection using statistical downscaling model over southern coastal Iran

Iran is highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly evident in shifting precipitation and temperature patterns, especially in its southern coastal region. With these changing climate conditions, there is an urgent need for practical and adaptive management of water resources and energy supply to address the challenges posed by future climate change. Over the next two to three decades, the effects of climate change, such as precipitation and temperature, are expected to worsen, posing greater risks to water resources, agriculture, and infrastructure stability. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the alterations in mean daily temperature (Tmean) and total daily rainfall (rrr24) utilizing climate change scenarios from both phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project (CMIP5 and CMIP6, respectively) in the southern coastal regions of Iran, specifically north of the Strait of Hormuz. The predictions were generated using the Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) and National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) predictors, incorporating climate change scenarios from CMIP5 with Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 and CMIP6 with Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) 1, 2, and 5. The analysis was conducted for three distinct time periods: the early 21st century (2021−2045), middle 21st century (2046−2071), and late 21st century (2071− 2095). The results indicated that the CMIP5 model outperformed the CMIP6 model in simulating and predicting Tmean and rrr24. In addition, a significant increase in Tmean was observed across all the scenarios and time periods, with the most pronounced trend occurring in the middle and late 21st century future periods. This increase was already evident during the base period of 2021-2045 across all scenarios. Moreover, the fluctuations in precipitation throughout the region and across all scenarios were significant in the three examined future periods. In conclusion, the study reveals that the coastal area of Hormozgan province will experience rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns in the future. The results indicated that among CMIP5 scenarios, RCP8.5 had highest changes of Tmean (+1.22 °C) in BL station in 2071-2095 period. The lowest change magnitude of Tmean among CMIP5 scenarios was found in RCP4.5 (–1.94 °C) in Ch station in 2046-2070 period. The results indicated that among CMIP5 scenarios, RCP8.5 had highest changes of rrr24 (+150.23 mm) in Ch station in 2071-2095 period. The lowest change magnitude of rrr24 among CMIP5 scenarios was found in RCP8.5 (–25.77 mm) in BA station in 2046-2070 period. These changes may lead to challenges such as increased water and energy consumption, heightened risks of droughts or floods, and potential damage to agriculture and infrastructure. These findings offer valuable insights for implementing local mitigation policies and strategies and adapting to emerging climate changes in Hormozgan's coastal areas. For example, utilizing water harvesting technologies, implementing watershed management practices, and adopting new irrigation systems can address challenges like water consumption, agricultural impacts, and infrastructure vulnerability. Future research should accurately assess the effect of these changes in precipitation and temperature on water resources, agriculture, and other infrastructures in the study area to implement effective management measures.

Impact of watershed management practices on vegetation, land use changes, and soil erosion in River Basins of the Atlas, Morocco

Soil erosion, a land degradation process triggered by natural and anthropogenic factors, seriously impacts landscapes and water resources. The influence of vegetation cover and land use changes on intensity of soil erosion of two catchments in mountainous regions of Morocco is evident, as it alters hydrologic response and sediment dynamics. This research aims to analyze the interactions among plants, soil, geology, meteorology, and orography, assessing soil erosion responses using the process-oriented IntErO model - Erosion Potential Method to determine erosion rates. The obtained results indicate that the Tiguert river basin experiences higher soil losses (Ggod = 5184.47 m³/god) and soil losses per square kilometre (Ggod/km² = 508.28 m³/km² god) compared to the Wanmroud catchment (Ggod = 2555.66 m³/god, Ggod/km² = 381.44 m³/km² god), confirming the theory that areas with denser and more effective vegetation cover experience lower soil erosion rates. Furthermore, the Wanmroud basin exhibits a more regular shape and lower watershed development coefficient, implying lower human impact. This study has shown the relationships between land use changes, vegetation cover, and soil erosion dynamics, offering valuable insights for sustainable land management practices in mountainous regions of Morocco.

A combined impact assessment of climate and land use/land cover change in an Eastern Himalayan watershed in northeast India.

The current study investigates the joint impact of projected land use/land cover change (LULCC) and climate change on the discharge of river Puthimari using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Puthimari, flowing through part of Bhutan and the northeastern region of India, earns its significance by contributing a fairly huge amount of discharge to the mainstream Brahmaputra causing frequent floods downstream, specifically in the monsoon season. The analysis was carried out from 2025 to 2099, by dividing this entire period into three sub-periods, 2025‒2049, 2050‒2074, and 2075‒2099, each of 25 years duration. To evaluate the impact of climate change, this study considered future climate data of five different CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) climate models and their ensemble for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 (Representative Concentration Pathways). The changes in LULC were incorporated by projecting the future LULC for 2035, 2065, and 2085 for each of the periods using the CA (Cellular Automata)-Markov model. SWAT performed well for both calibration and validation. The respective Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values for calibration and validation were found to be 0.74 and 0.77. Also, 0.75 and 0.79 coefficient of determination (R2) values were obtained for calibration and validation, respectively. The analyses reveal a 19.76% increase in rural settlement, and a 6.30%, 16.45%, and 8.76% decrease in forest, cropland, and waterbodies in the watershed by the end of this century. The average monsoon rainfall would increase by 14.16% and 38.92%, with a corresponding increase in discharge by 34.27% and 64.67%, under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. This comprehensive study represents a pioneering effort to thoroughly analyze the future hydrological dynamics of the Puthimari River. This research serves as a vital resource for policymakers and government agencies, offering valuable insights to guide both structural and non-structural measures aimed at safeguarding the river from potential flood devastation. Additionally, it provides essential information to support the implementation of effective watershed management practices.

Mitigation of Impact of Climate Change through Watershed Management

Climate change during 21st century is projected to alter rainfall, and consequently the runoff and soil loss. The researchers worldwide are assessing the technical feasibility of the options to mitigate the impact of harmful gases (CO2, CH4 and others). The experiences gained by different institutions in India and worldwide have amply demonstrated the positive outcome of soil and water conservation measures implemented on watershed basis both under drought and abnormal rainfall conditions. Simple measures like strengthening of field bunds, contour bunding, trenching, vegetative barriers, agro-forestry, water harvesting and afforestation of denuded land along with other engineering and biological measures are found to be suitable options to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. These measures are, however, likely to be more expensive. Analysis showed that percent increase in the cross section of field bunds in medium soil is expected to be 33.3, 71.1 and 113.3% with an expected increase in one day maximum rainfall by 20, 40 and 60%, respectively, over the cross section corresponding to the one day maximum for the base period of 1961-1990. Similarly, the cross section of the field bunds in light textured soil is expected to be 30.9, 65.5 and 103.6% for the same increase in one day maximum rainfall. It is also projected that about 17% of additional earth work would be required in bunding (contour or graded) if one day maximum rainfall increases by 20 percent. Additional earthwork would increase to 80% with increase in rainfall by 100 percent. The earth work of trenching is projected to be directly proportional to the increase in daily rainfall. The analysis showed that the watershed management practices, though very effective mitigation options under adverse climatic conditions, are likely to be more expensive. To overcome the increasing cost of soil and water conservation measures, appropriate cost effective bio-engineering measures need to be evolved.

A stochastic simulation-based chance-constrained programming model for optimizing watershed best management practices for nonpoint source pollution control under uncertainty

In this study, a stochastic simulation-based chance-constrained programming (SSCP) model is developed by integrating soil and water assessment tool (SWAT), generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE), chance-constrained programming (CCP) and genetic algorithm (GA) for managing non-point source (NPS) pollution under uncertainty. The SSCP model improves upon conventional simulation-based optimization methods by effectively (i) reflecting the propagation of stochastic uncertainties from the SWAT to the optimization framework by the joint GLUE and CCP (GLUE-CCP) approach, and (ii) identifying the optimal implementation levels of best management practices (BMPs) under different constraint-violation risk levels. The SSCP is solved using a GA with parallel sampling technique after conversion into the corresponding deterministic version. The model is applied to determine the optimal types, sizes and locations of BMPs for NPS pollution control in the Hanjiang River basin, China. The results indicate that, under low-risk conditions, grassed waterways and filter strips should be implemented in the northern part of the basin and larger detention ponds of about 637.8 ∼ 850.4 ha should be installed in the northern and eastern parts of the basin; whereas under high-risk conditions, filter strips should be installed in the northeastern part of the basin and larger detention ponds of about 562.1 ∼ 749.5 ha should be installed in the northern and southwestern parts of the basin. Moreover, as the risk level decreases, stricter control of constraint violations leads to higher BMP implementation costs in order to mitigate the risk of excessive NPS pollution loads. Thus, the proposed model provides valuable insights into the selection of BMP placement schemes at various risk levels, facilitating the reduction of NPS pollution at the outlet of the Hanjiang River basin to acceptable levels while considering the tradeoff between system cost and risk.

Watershed Management for Sustainable Livelihoods: Integrating Local Pond Ecosystems in Malda, West Bengal

This research article explores the intricate relationship between watershed management, local pond ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods in the Malda district of West Bengal. The study investigates the potential of integrating local pond ecosystems into watershed management strategies as a means to enhance economic prosperity, ecological resilience, and community well-being. Through a multidisciplinary approach, combining ecological assessments, socioeconomic surveys, and participatory engagement, the research aims to provide insights into the synergies that exist between watershed management practices and the sustainable livelihoods of the local villagers. The research methodology involves field studies encompassing hydrological analysis, biodiversity assessments, and community consultations, aimed at understanding the dynamics of local pond ecosystems and their interconnectedness with the broader watershed. Special attention is given to the diverse ecosystem services provided by these ponds, such as water provisioning, nutrient cycling, and supporting aquatic biodiversity, and how they contribute to the overall resilience of the watershed. The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable information for policymakers, environmental practitioners, and local communities in Malda district, offering a comprehensive understanding of how the integration of local pond ecosystems into watershed management plans can foster sustainable livelihoods. The article discusses potential strategies for optimizing the co-management of these resources, balancing the ecological health of the ponds with the socioeconomic needs of the local population. Ultimately, this research aims to provide a blueprint for sustainable watershed management practices that prioritize the conservation and utilization of local pond ecosystems, fostering a harmonious balance between ecological integrity and the livelihood aspirations of the communities in Malda, West Bengal.

An Assessment of Watershed Management Practices in Gullele Botanical Garden, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

An Assessment of Watershed Management Practices in Gullele Botanical Garden, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Identification of soil erosion-prone areas for effective mitigation measures using a combined approach of morphometric analysis and geographical information system

The current worldwide effects of soil erosion are a result of natural and human activities, and it had serious consequences on ecosystems, agriculture, and water quality in the watershed. As a result, quantifying the physical characteristics of a watershed can be used to identify areas that are more susceptible to soil erosion and require immediate mitigation measures. This study prioritizes the fourteen sub-watersheds in the Dabus Watershed, Ethiopia using a Geographical Information System based on the variety of parameters for implementing short and long-term effective watershed management practices. For each sub-watershed (SW), the compound parameter was calculated from different morphometric parameters and used to rank the areas. The findings show that SW1, SW7, and SW10 are contributing very high soil erosion in the study area with its 2390.75 km2, 2555.77 km2, and 1642.71 km2 covering area; however, SW2, SW8, SW9, and SW14 are the areas lowly degraded due its soil erosion is low. Thus, mitigation measures such as contouring, terracing, filter strips, and other structural/non-structural effective approaches should be implemented in the area where high soil erosion was contributed.

Assessment of Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Parameters of Mthatha River in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Mthatha River is the main source of water for the fast-growing population of Mthatha communities and its surrounding. Human resident settlements, livestock grazing and watering, subsistence farming and commercial activities are the main water and land use activities in the catchment. Using the environmental forensic method, this study was carried out to assess water quality in Mthatha River and its selected tributaries for different uses (drinking and domestic use) and identify potential pollution sources. Seven sampling points were purposively selected for water quality testing along Mthatha River and the tributaries. Data was collected during wet and dry seasons of the year 2021. Microbiological and physico-chemical parameters were measured in this study. Microbiological samples (i.e., Total coliform and E. coli) were analysed in the laboratory within 24 h. Physico-chemical parameters (Dissolved Oxygen, water temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids and Nitrate) were measured in-situ. Multivariate statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation analysis were employed to analyse the data using SPSS version 22, Primer version 7 and MS Excel 2013.The pH, turbidity and nitrate were found to be higher during wet season than dry season. Extremely high microbiological indicators (E. coli and total coliform counts) were recorded during both seasons and exceeding the WHO and DWAF permissible limits. The study also found that agricultural activities in the upper reaches of the river and a combination of refuse dumping and sewage pollution in the mid-stream section are the main causes of changes in the water quality of the Mthatha River and its tributaries. An assessment and monitoring of the river water quality is necessary for the Mthatha community and to communicate information on water quality for sustainable watershed management practices.

Assessing effect of best management practices in unmonitored watersheds using the coupled SWAT-BiLSTM approach

In order to enhance the simulation of BMPs (Best Management Practices) reduction effects in unmonitored watersheds, in this study, we combined the physically-based hydrological model Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the data-driven model Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM), using the very-high-resolution (VHR) Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) dataset SinoLC-1 as data input, to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a water environment model for the Ba-River Basin (BRB) in central China and improving streamflow prediction performance. In the SWAT-BiLSTM model, we calibrated the top five SWAT parameters sorted by P-Value, allowing SWAT to act as a transfer function to convert meteorological data into base flow and storm flow, serving as the data input for the Bi-LSTM model. This optimization improved the Bi-LSTM's learning process for the relationship between the target and explanatory variables. The daily streamflow prediction results showed that the hybrid model had 9 regions rated as "Very good," 2 as "Good," 2 as "Satisfactory," and 1 as "Unsatisfactory" among the 14 regions. The model achieved an NSE of 0.86, R2 of 0.85, and PBIAS of −2.71% for the overall daily streamflow prediction performance during the verification period of the BRB. This indicates that the hybrid model has high predictive accuracy and no significant systematic bias, providing a sound hydrodynamic environment for water quality simulation. The simulation results of different BMPs scenarios showed that in the scenarios with only one BMP measure, stubble mulch had the best reduction effect, with average reductions of 17.83% for TN and 36.17% for TP. In the scenarios with a combination of multiple BMP measures, the combination of stubble mulch, soil testing and formula fertilization, and vegetative filter strip performed the best, achieving average reductions of 42.71% for TN and 50.40% for TP. The hybrid model provides a novel approach to simulate BMPs' reduction effects in regions without measured hydrological data and has the potential for wide application in BMP-related decision-making.

The role of integrated watershed management in climate change adaptation for small-scale farmers in Southwest Ethiopia

Climate change severely affects smallholder farmers in developing countries such as Ethiopia. To overcome the impacts, the government of Ethiopia has been undertaking a massive adaptation programs including integrated watershed management practices. However, there is a limited understanding of climate change, adaptation strategies, and the effect and acceptance of the implemented techniques. The objective of this study was to assess climate variability, farmers’ climate change adaptation strategies, and the role of watershed management in climate change adaptation. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 255 household heads from three rural kebeles (lowest administrative unit of government) in high, mid, and low-elevation areas. The household survey, focus group discussion, and key informant interview record were used to collect data. In addition, long term meteorology record was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multinomial logit model. The results showed that more than 80% of the farmers, in each elevation, perceived climate variability such as increasing temperature and rainfall fluctuations. The perceived variability is more pronounced in the low-elevation areas. The meteorology record also showed fluctuation in rainfall. About 90% of respondents in each elevation area perceived population pressure, cultivation, and deforestation as the major causes of climate variability. About 90% of respondents perceived crop yield decline due to climate variability. In drought years, crop yield and livestock production decline by ∼50% compared to the average year. Adjustment of crop planting time, crop diversification, selling household assets, participating in off-farm activities, and using government aid were practiced as climate change adaptation measures. About 70% of farmers perceived the positive role of watershed management in climate change adaptation. On average, 36–43% of the farmers in the study area participated in watershed management activities such as the construction of bunds and tree planting, which assist in coping with climate variability impacts. Farm size, sex, education, and farming experience positively and significantly affect the adaptation practices of the farmers. Policymakers and practitioners need to consider the issues related to climate variability and watershed management as a strategy for climate change adaptation. Policy intervention by the Federal government on sustainable watershed management and rural livelihood strategies could assist in sustainable environmental management and climate change adaptation.

Watershed management, groundwater recharge and drought resilience: An integrated approach to adapt to rainfall variability in northern Ethiopia

Rainfall variability coupled with poor land and water management is contributing to food insecurity in many sub-Saharan African countries such as Ethiopia. To address such challenges, various efforts have been implemented in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term impacts of different soil and water conservation and water harvesting interventions on groundwater and drought resilience of the Gule watershed, northern Ethiopia. The study involved: (i) documentation of the approaches followed and the technologies implemented in Gule since the 1990s, (ii) monitoring the hydrological effects of the interventions for ten years, and (iii) evaluation of the effects of the interventions on groundwater (level and quality), spring discharge and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in runoff. Results showed that interventions were implemented at different stages and scales. As a result of the interventions, the watershed was transformed into a landscape resilient to rainfall variability: (a) dry shallow groundwater wells have become productive and the level of water in wells has raised, (b) the groundwater quality has improved, (c) SSC in high floods has reduced by up to 65%, (d) discharge of existing springs has increased by up to 73% and new springs have started to emerge. Due to improved water availability, irrigated land has increased from less than 3.5 ha before 2002 to 166 ha in 2019. Communities have remained water-secure during an extreme drought in 2015/2016. Implementation of watershed management practices has transformed the landscape to be resilient to rainfall variability in a semi-arid environment: a lesson for adaptation to climate variability and change in similar environments.

The impact of watershed development and management practices on rural livelihoods: A structural equation modeling approach

The impact of watershed development and management practices on rural livelihoods: A structural equation modeling approach

Spatial-Temporal Response of Sediment Loads to Climate Change and Soil Conservation Practices in the Northern Aegean Watershed, Türkiye

Climate change and agricultural activities are significant sources of stress to the natural environment and water resources. These also affect erosion and the associated estimation of sediment yields, which is also a crucial task in the hydrological models. The presented study is significant for the development of sustainable watershed management practices. It also aims to determine the effects of climate change and different agricultural best management practices (BMPs) on the sediment loads of the North Aegean Basin in Türkiye by using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. While sediment calibration was performed for 2014, streamflow calibration and verification were performed using the SWAT Calibration and Uncertainty Program (SWAT-CUP) for the period 2012–2013 and 2014–2015, respectively. The obtained results showed that the climate change scenarios reduce the surface waters of the basin and sediment yield in accordance with the hydrological transport processes. During the 2012–2030 time period, runoff in the basin for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios decreased by 38.5% and 31.8%, respectively, and the basin sediment yield decreased by 55.7% and 50.7%, respectively. The sediment yields to water resources had distinctive reductions due to BMPs such as zero tillage, vertical tillage, cover crop, and terracing. Considering the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, BMPs reduced the sediment yield in the range of 0.93–4.03% and 0.89–3.85%, respectively. Determining the sediment transport by using hydrological modeling and the effects of climate change for different agricultural practices on erosion will be useful for decision-makers.

Evaluation of impacts of climate change on natural and managed wetland basins

AbstractLow floodplain wetlands such as the Western Everglades in South Florida are vulnerable to extreme weather events, and their water quality and ecosystem functions vary greatly depending on changes in water levels and discharges. The future (i.e., the mid and late 21st century) climate is projected to result in increased frequency and magnitude of extreme events, which could negatively affect the hydroecological function of the wetlands. Wetland management practices have commonly been implemented to protect wetlands and their functions, but it is not clear whether the current management practices can still be effective in projected climate change scenarios. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the impacts of climate change on the runoff and total phosphorus (TP) of natural (L28 Gap) and managed (L28) wetland watersheds in the Western Everglades. For the assessment, we employed future climate projections made using 29 general circulation models (GCMs) and the Watershed Assessment Model (WAM), a watershed loading model. The WAM was calibrated and validated for the baseline period (2000–2014), and the bias‐corrected climate projections were incorporated into the model to project the runoff discharge and TP loads for the near‐future (2030–2044) and far‐future (2070–2084) periods in two carbon emission scenarios. The modeling results show that the natural wetland watershed would be more vulnerable to projected climate change than the managed wetland watershed. The impact of projected climate change scenarios on daily runoff and TP loads was modulated by water control facilities and practices in the managed watershed, highlighting the significance of watershed management practices for improved water quality under projected climate change. This study demonstrates how the local natural and managed wetland watersheds distinctly respond to the global‐scale changes and emphasizes the role of water management practices in wetland basins, which are expected to help develop effective climate change adaptation plans for improved sustainability of wetland systems.

Impact of land use land cover changes on ecosystem service values in the Dire and Legedadi watersheds, central highlands of Ethiopia: Implication for landscape management decision making

Land use land cover change in a landscape is the main driver of degradation in ecosystem goods and services. This study was aimed at analysing the dynamics of the LULC change in the catchments of the water supply reservoirs as well as the impact on the Ecosystem Service Values (ESVs) between 1985 and 2022. The benefit transfer method was used to evaluate ecosystem service value (ESV) changes in response to LULC. The watersheds experienced substantial LULC changes. As a result, the natural vegetation, grasslands, and eucalyptus plantations declined dramatically, while settlements and cultivated lands considerably increased. The global and local ESV estimates show a dramatic decline in ESVs between 1985 and 2022. According to global and local ESV estimates, total ESV in the Legedadi watershed has decreased from approximately US$ 65.8 million in 1985 to approximately US$ 11.9 million in 2022 and from approximately US$ 42.7 million in 1985 to approximately US$ 9.66 million in 2022. According to global and local ESV estimates, total ESV in the Dire watershed decreased from approximately US$ 437 thousand in 1985 to approximately US$ 59 thousand in 2022 and from approximately US$ 225 thousand in 1985 to approximately US$ 36 thousand in 2022. The overall decline in ESV demonstrates that the natural environment is deteriorating as a result of replacement of the natural land cover by other economic land uses. Hence, it is highly recommended that implementing sustainable watershed management practices to halt the dramatic loss of natural ecosystems must be a high priority.

Impact Analysis of Conservation Structures and Climate Change on Streamflow of Thuthapuzha Watershed, Kerala

Hydrological models are increasingly being used to assess how climate change and watershed management practices affect the hydrological processes. In this research, SWAT model was used to analyse the impact of water conservation structures and climate change on streamflow of Thuthapuzha watershed, subbasin of Bharathapuzha located in Kerala, India. Major conservation practices in the study area were modelled as ponds and Kanjirapuzha reservoir was modelled as dam.  The impact of conservation structures on streamflow was evaluated and found that monthly streamflow increased during summer season (9-17%), during which usually the river has a lean flow.  Thus, the conservation structures increase recharging and thereby helps in maintaining a better environmental flow regime. Similarly, the impact of climate change on streamflow was also analysed and the results of the future simulations of streamflow reveal that, river flow increased under all Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) scenarios with predominant increase in RCP6 scenario (37-60%) followed by RCP4.5 (13-16%) and RCP8.5 (9-16%) from 2021-2070.  For all the scenarios used in the study, due to the predicted increase in rainfall during all the three scenarios, a significant increase in streamflow was observed near the end periods of simulation.

Watershed management and climate change adaptation mechanisms used by people living in dryland areas of Lokere catchment in Karamoja, Uganda

Abstract The effects of climate change in Uganda are manifested by severe and sometimes extreme weather events such as droughts and landslides. An Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) plan was initiated in the Karamoja region, aimed at generating information that could be used to reduce climate vulnerabilities among the rural poor. The study aimed at determining the local community’s perception of the effects of climate change on their livelihoods; and, to examine the effectiveness of the Integrated Watershed Management practices (IWMPs) on agricultural production within the area. Three hundred and ninety-seven households were randomly chosen and included in the survey. Interviews with local government officials who held high posts were conducted. Direct observations were also used for data collection. Findings showed that droughts and increases in pests and diseases; were some of the impacts caused by climate change events. Despite the initiation of IWMPs, climate change events moderately increased food insecurity (γ = 0.556; P=0.000) and also moderately affected community assets like roads and valley dams (γ = 0.426; P=0.000). In addition, household income insecurity was moderately and positively related to climate change effects (γ = 0.556; P=0.000). A weak positive relationship was found between the application of IWMPs and agricultural production (γ = 0.273; P=0.000). The Uganda Government should emphasize and intensify the implementation of IWMPs among the farmers living in agricultural watersheds as a means of continuously improving agricultural production and building the farmers’ resilience to climate change events.

Modeling impacts of projected land use and climate changes on the water balance in the Baro basin, Ethiopia

In terms of land use and climate, the world is changing at an unprecedented rate and these changes have a significant influence on our water resources. This study was conducted to examine the individual and combined potential impacts of land use and climate change on the water balance of the Baro basin in Ethiopia for the baseline period (1985–2002) and near-future period (2023–2040) using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The plausible land use scenarios considering current (CUR), business as usual (BAU), and further expansion of altitudinal forest and watershed management practices (CON), as well as climate change scenarios from regional climate model outputs (RCMs) under two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for the 2023–2040 time frame, were used as inputs to the models. The monthly calibrated and validated SWAT model produced an acceptable result, which was then used for water balance simulations. Findings show that forest decreased from 54.5% to 48.9% and 41.2% while agricultural land increased from 21.8% to 29.7% and 39.8% under the CUR and BAU land use change scenarios, respectively. The results from the ensemble mean showed an increase in maximum and minimum temperatures and a decrease in rainfall under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios, which in turn resulted in an increase in evapotranspiration (ET) and a decrease in water availability. Climate change outweighed the impact of land-use change, thus indicating an increase in annual ET by up to 12% and a decrease of 42% in surface runoff (SURQ) under the RCP8.5 scenario. The BAU land use scenario projection triggers a respective increase of 18% in annual SURQ and reduction of ET by 2%. However, under the CON land use scenario, SURQ decreased by 24%. The study concluded that future land use and climate change will further challenge the basin's water supply capacity to meet the increased water demand. Understanding the changes in the basin's water balance is critical for mitigation and adaptation options. As a result, this study proposes restoration efforts and climate-resilient water management strategies that can increase the resilience of the river basin.

Evaluating Sediment Yield Response to Watershed Management Practices (WMP) by Employing the Concept of Sediment Connectivity

Watershed management practices (WMP) are widely used in catchments as a measure to reduce soil erosion and sediment-related problems. We used a paired catchment in the Gonbad region of Hamadan province, Iran, to evaluate sediment yield response to watershed management practices (WMP) by employing the concept of sediment connectivity (SC). To do this, the SC index as a representation of sediment yield was firstly simulated for the control catchment that there is no WMP. In the next step, the SC index was simulated for impacted catchment, including some WMP, i.e., seeding, pit-seeding, and exclosure. After assessing the accuracy of the produced SC maps using filed observations and erosion plots, the SC maps using quantile-quantile plot (Q-Q plot) were compared to achieve the role of WMP in reducing the rate of sediment yield. The Q-Q plot showed that there is a strong similarity between the SC of catchments, it can be concluded that the WMP has no significant impact on the reducing rate of the sediment yield in this study.