Change in low flows due to catchment management dynamics—Application of a comparative modelling approach

Abstract

Understanding the natural low flow of a catchment is critical for effective water management policy in semi-arid and arid lands. The Geba catchment in Ethiopia, forming the headwaters of Tekeze-Atbara basin was known for its severe land degradation before the recent large scale Soil and Water conservation (SWC) programs. Such interventions can modify the hydrological processes by changing the partitioning of the incoming rainfall on the land surface. However, the literature lacks studies to

Balancing crop water requirements through supplemental irrigation under rainfed agriculture in a semi-arid environment

“…A study by Tesfaye & Walker [ 29 ] and Araya et al [ 8 ] verified that crop water stress and crop failure were caused by the mismatches of crop growing period with the seasonal rainy period. Similar results were also reported by Hagos et al [ 17 ] and Gebremicael et al [ 30 ] that 80% of the rainfall occurs during the rainy season from July to August.…”

Controls on the Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Rainfall‐Runoff Event Characteristics—A Large Sample of Catchments Across Great Britain

“…To analyze specific anomalies in our results in more detail, the concept of paired‐catchment approach (Folton et al., 2015; Gebremicael et al., 2020; Prosdocimi et al., 2015; Singh & Basu, 2022; Thompson, 2012; Van Loon et al., 2019) is employed. In this analysis, we focus on comparing the differences with and without the anomalous behaviors in the paired catchments rather than changes over time.…”

“…In this study, three guidelines are adopted to determine what is acceptable for pairing: (a) adjacent and nearby catchments are preferable and typical in the majority of the paired‐catchment studies as close proximity often helps with the homogeneity of the catchment physical characteristics and climate conditions (Gebremicael et al., 2020; Singh & Basu, 2022). (b) The climate conditions of the paired catchments should be kept consistent (within±10% of annual precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (Van Loon et al., 2019)) and (c) only one potential factor influences flow (i.e., if geology is our variable of interest, catchments with reservoir, high urban percentage (>14%) (Birkinshaw et al., 2021) or significant surface water and groundwater abstractions (>0.2 mm/d) should be excluded to isolate the effect of each of the human activities on event characteristics).…”

Impacts of catchment restoration on water availability and drought resilience in Ethiopia: A meta‐analysis

“…In the central highlands of Ethiopia, a 44% reduction in discharge was observed due to the integrated SWC measures (Yaekob et al, 2020). Gebremicael et al (2020) further confirmed that the drastic reduction in runoff has improved baseflow by 55% due to the intensive SWC works in northern Ethiopia.…”

“…In general, the catchment restoration practices have transformed the degraded slopes into greener landscapes (Adimassu et al, 2017; Ayele et al, 2018; Gebremicael et al, 2020; Nyssen et al, 2008; Nyssen et al, 2010; Walraevens et al, 2015; Wolka et al, 2018). These restored watersheds have improved ecosystem services and functions.…”