Land Cover Changes and Its Effects on Streamflows in the Malewa River Basin, Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Cheruiyot, M. K.
Gathuru, G.
Koske, J.
Soy, R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KARI)
Abstract
Vegetated landscapes are transformed by both natural
and human causes. This is thought to influence river
flow regimes. It is argued that restored and reforested
landscapes increase stream flow. However, studies done
to date have been inconclusive on whether or not trees
on restored or reforested landscapes increase stream flow.
This study aimed to examine the effects of land cover
changes on streamflow of the Malewa River Basin in
Kenya. Satellite imagery based spatial change detection
using ArcGIS 10.1 and ERDAS IMAGINE software was
deployed to estimate the land cover changes. Based on
projected land cover change data, a multiple regression
technique was used to establish the relationship between
land cover and streamflow. The results show that at
Gauge 2GB01, area under wetland significantly predicted
stream flows (b=0.134, t(488) =1.978, p=0.049), with an
overall model (R2
=0.018, F(3, 488)=2.976, p=0.031).
Area under grassland (b=0.108, t(488)=2.325, p=0.02),
shrubland (b=0.112, t(488)=1.976, p=0.049) and
amount of rainfall (b=0.533, t(488)=14.048, p=0.000)
combined significantly predicted stream flows. Rainfall
alone significantly predicted stream flows (b=0.531,
t(488)=13.885, p=0.000). Overall, the gains in forest
restoration did not specifically influence streamflow
except in combination with other vegetation and rainfall.
There is need to increase soil cover rather than woody
biomass alone in the regulation of stream flows. A
systematic response to address the drivers of change in
land cover is also needed.
Description
An Article Published in East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal
Keywords
Landscape, Streamflow, Restoration, Land cover