Assessing the Effects of Land Use/Land Cover Change on Discharge Using SWAT Model in River Ruiru Watershed, Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2019
Authors
Waithaka, Ann
Murimi, Shadrack
Obiero, Kennedy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IJRIAS
Abstract
Watersheds and water resources are highly vulnerable
to land use/land cover changes (LULCC) as they directly
influence hydrological characteristics in terms of water quantity.
This study aimed at assessing the effects of land use/land cover
changes (LULCC) on Surface runoff contribution to discharge
(SURQ), lateral flow contribution to discharge (LATQ) and
groundwater contribution to discharge (GWQ) of River Ruiru
watershed, Kiambu County. The study integrated the use of
remote sensing, GIS and hydrological modeling to collect and
analyze data. Results of the study indicate that built-up areas,
annual crops (mixed farming) and perennial crops (Tea and
coffee farming) increased by 1.83%, 15.05% and 10.90% from
1984 to 2017 while grassland, shrubland and forestland
decreased by 6.21%, 11.92% and 10.06%. SWAT model results
indicate that land use/land cover changes that have occurred in
River Ruiru watershed between 1984 and 2017 have had effects
on Surface runoff (SURQ), lateral flow (LATQ) and
groundwater contribution to discharge (GWQ) which have
increased from 30.25 mm/yr, 8.48mm/yr and 9.95mm/yr to
181.25mm/yr, 11.44mm/yr and 10.66mm/yr respectively. The
results from this study will help in understanding the effects of
LULCC on the quantity of discharge which is one component of
the knowledge base required in applying the principles of
integrated water resources management (IWRM) thus providing
critical input to the decision making on water resources
management and planning
Description
article
Keywords
land use change, land cover change, discharge, River Ruiru watershed, SWAT model
Citation
Bukoma, E., Obando, J., & Murimi, S. (2022). Assessment of Runoff and Soil Loss Under Natural Vegetation Cover and Rainfall in a Semi-Arid Catchment, West Pokot County, Kenya. East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 5(1), 134-147.