INVESTIGATING THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY ON WATER LEVELS OF DOMASI RIVER

This research investigates the impact of climate variability, with a focus on temperature and rainfall, on water levels in the Domasi River basin. Despite the absence of significant individual trends in temperature and rainfall, their combined effects contribute to the dynamics of water resources within the region. While temperature trends remain relatively stable and the correlation between temperature and water levels is not statistically significant, there is evidence of the potential influence of temperature variations on hydrological processes and water availability. Moreover, although no significant trend in rainfall amounts was identified, a robust positive relationship between rainfall and water levels highlights the critical role of precipitation in driving hydrological processes. These findings underscore the substantial impact of climate variability on water availability and river discharge in the Domasi River basin. Recommendations include the establishment of a robust monitoring system, investment in advanced hydrological modeling tools, community involvement in water conservation efforts, implementation of nature-based solutions, and collaborative efforts between stakeholders to develop adaptive water management strategies. Continued monitoring and analysis of climate data are essential for informing adaptive strategies for sustainable water resource management in the face of climate variability and change, not only in the Domasi River basin but also in similar regions worldwide.

While temperature trends remain relatively stable and the correlation between temperature and water levels is not statistically significant, there is evidence of the potential influence of temperature variations on hydrological processes and water availability. Moreover, although no significant trend in rainfall amounts was identified, a robust positive relationship between rainfall and water levels highlights the critical role of precipitation in driving hydrological processes. Recommendations include the establishment of a robust monitoring system, investment in advanced hydrological modeling tools, community involvement in water conservation efforts, implementation of nature-based solutions, and collaborative efforts between stakeholders to develop adaptive water management strategies. Continued monitoring and analysis of climate data are essential for informing adaptive strategies for sustainable water resource management in the face of climate variability and change, not only in the Domasi River basin but also in similar regions worldwide.

The study area for this research is the Domasi River, located within Zomba district, Malawi. Zomba district is situated in the southern region of Malawi, bordered by Mozambique to the east. The Domasi River is a key watercourse in the district, serving as a vital source of water for various socio-economic activities, including agriculture, domestic use, and industrial purposes (Ngongondo et al., 2017). Zomba district experiences a subtropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season typically occurs from November to April, with peak rainfall usually observed between December and March. The dry season extends from May to October, during which precipitation levels decrease significantly (Nath et al., 2019). The Domasi River originates from the highlands of Zomba Plateau and flows in a southerly direction through the district, eventually joining lake Chilwa, one of Malawi's water bodies. The river's catchment area encompasses diverse land uses, including agricultural fields, forested areas, and settlements (Ngongondo et al., 2017). The topography of the study area varies from highland areas in the north, characterized by steep slopes and dense vegetation, to lowland plains in the south. These geographical features influence the hydrological processes and water flow dynamics within the Domasi River basin (Ngongondo et al., 2017).

Traditional authority: TA Malemia

District: Zomba

Coordinates: -15.28605, 35.3424