ANALYZING THE MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF RIVIRIVI RIVER’S CHANNEL, ITS CAUSES AND IMPACTS: A CASE STUDY OF MANYONGA VILLAGE, T/A NKAYA IN BALAKA DISTRICT.

The morphology or physical form of a river plays a vital role in shaping the surrounding environment and impacting the lives of communities residing along its banks. This study examines the morphological changes occurring in the Rivirivi River, with a specific focus on Manyonga Village located in Traditional Authority Nkaya, Balaka District. The primary objectives are to analyze the extent and patterns of these morphological changes, identify the underlying causes driving these changes, and assess the impacts on the local community.
The research employs a remote sensing approach, utilizing satellite imagery spanning multiple decades (1993, 2008, and 2023) to quantify changes in the river's course, erosion patterns, and accretion areas, thereby detecting shifts in the river's path. Additionally, changes in land use/cover and linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) analyses were conducted on precipitation and discharge data to determine the influencing factors and impacts of the Rivirivi River's changes.
The results indicate that an area of 794.361392 square meters of Manyonga Village has been eroded, representing 0.26% of the total eroded area. The total eroded area is 288,448.64 square meters, accounting for 76.16% of the study area. Accretion or the deposition of sediments, has occurred over an area of 75,573.63 square meters, making up 19.95% of the study area, while 14,703.74 square meters (3.88%) remained unchanged.
The study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic nature of the Rivirivi River and its implications for the Manyonga Village community. The findings provide insights into the interplay between natural processes, anthropogenic activities, and climate variability, informing sustainable river management strategies and enhancing resilience in riparian communities.