A Review of Geological and Climatic Variables in Groundwater Availability Prediction in Africa: Machine Learning Approaches

Abstract

Groundwater is crucial for Africa's potable water supply, agriculture, and economic development. However, the continent faces challenges with groundwater scarcity due to factors like population growth, climate change, and over exploitation. Over the past ten years, machine learning has been increasingly and successfully used in groundwater level prediction across the world. This review paper explores the application of machine learning techniques in predicting groundwater levels in Africa. The methodology involved downloading relevant papers, identifying and categorizing the machine learning algorithms employed, and quantifying their use. Geological and climatic variables were also identified, analyzed and categorized to measure their usage frequency. The different algorithms and input variables extracted from each paper are graphically represented in this document highlighting the most employed ones. The findings suggest that the available literature on this topic in Africa is limited compared to the rest of the world. Tree-based algorithms are commonly used in machine learning in Africa, and the most employed input variables are related to geomorphology and temperature. The study highlights the potential of machine learning in improving water resource management and decision-making in the region.