Hydrological response to land use/land cover changes in Ethiopian basins: a review

ABSTRACT

Ethiopia, marked by diverse geography and rapid land use/land cover (LULC) changes, grapples with formidable water resource management challenges. Understanding the hydrological response to these changes is paramount for sustainability. This review paper provides an overview of studies that investigated the hydrological impacts of LULC changes in Ethiopian basins. The review discusses methodologies, key findings, implications for sustainable land and water resource management, research gaps, and future directions. Emphasizing results from diverse studies that utilized hydrological and geospatial modelling, LULC significantly affects surface runoff, streamflow patterns, and groundwater recharge. The observed consequences are increased surface runoff, modified streamflow timing, and reduced groundwater recharge. The review underscores the urgency for integrated land and water management strategies to alleviate adverse effects. Future research priorities include basin-specific studies, long-term monitoring, integrated modelling, consideration of socio-economic factors, and incorporating climate change scenarios to enhance understanding and guide sustainable water resource management in Ethiopian basins.

KEYWORDS:

• Ethiopian basin
• land use/land cover (LULC) change
• surface runoff
• groundwater flow
• water resource management

Editor K. Soulis; Associate Editor (not assigned)

Editor K. Soulis; Associate Editor (not assigned)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this article.