ANALYSIS OF STREAM FLOW REGIME CHANGES IN SOUTH RUKURU RIVER IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF MALAWI
Abstract
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.
Research summary
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.