ANALYSIS OF STREAM FLOW REGIME CHANGES IN SOUTH RUKURU RIVER IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF MALAWI

The study examined the changes in the South Rukuru River's stream flow regime over the past three decades in Malawi. It aimed to determine rainfall and streamflow trends, examine their relationship, and assess the impact of land use modifications on streamflow patterns. The research uses historical climate data, streamflow records, and Landsat satellite imagery for land cover analysis. Statistical methods like MannKendall test, Sens estimator, Pettitt test, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze trend analysis. The research project discovered that there was a statistically insignificant decreasing pattern in yearly rainfall over the watershed's both dry and wet seasons over the 30-year period from 1992 to 2022. Overall, the average yearly streamflow and the summertime streamflow showcased a non-significant declining pattern in accordance to the Mann-Kendall test, whilst the moist-season streamflow revealed a non significant growing trend. The study concluded that addressing these hydrological changes requires integrated water resource management strategies considering climate variability and human activities. Future research should focus on developing predictive models to better understand these changes and guide sustainable water resource management. This research contributes to hydrological science advancement and supports climate change adaptation and sustainable development in the region.

The study examined the changes in the South Rukuru River's stream flow regime over the past three decades in Malawi. It aimed to determine rainfall and streamflow trends, examine their relationship, and assess the impact of land use modifications on streamflow patterns. The research project discovered that there was a statistically insignificant decreasing pattern in yearly rainfall over the watershed's both dry and wet seasons over the 30-year period from 1992 to 2022. Overall, the average yearly streamflow and the summertime streamflow showcased a non-significant declining pattern in accordance to the Mann-Kendall test, whilst the moist-season streamflow revealed a non significant growing trend.

This study was carried out in the South Rukuru River which is located in the Northern Region of Malawi. The South Rukuru rises in southern Mzimba District, and flows roughly north-northeast to empty into Lake Malawi. Its watershed mostly lies in the Mzimba Plain. Its tributaries drain the western slopes of the Viphya Mountains. To the east, a low divide which forms the Malawi-Zambia border separates the South Rukuru’s watershed from that of Luangwa River in Zambia. The lower valley of the river separates the northern end of the Viphya Range from the Nyika Plateau to the north. The catchment area of the South Rukuru River covers approximately 4,000 square kilometres, and the river is approximately 150 kilometres long. Below is figure 1 which contains map of the study area.

Traditional authority: Scjaravikuba Munthali

District: Mzimba

Coordinates: -11.03005, 33.97005