Hydrological zoning (or simply zoning) is an approach to divide land into different zones based on their hydrological properties. Typically, each type of zone has different land use and development regulations linked to it. This land and water management method aims to protect local water sources from risks of over-abstraction, land salinization, groundwater pollution and waterlogging by managing land use activities based on the assigned hydrological zones.  For example, zones with a high groundwater table, large amounts of surface water (e.g.

This paper describes a spate irrigation system in Makanya village, Tanzania that emerged in response to increased upstream water use. It uses the hydrological, hydraulic and sociological dimensions of spate to assess the Makanya system. The paper finds that improving system efficiency by modernising the diversion and distribution structures in this case is not feasible due to the large amounts of sediments delivered to the system each year.

Perceived increased water scarcity in the Usangu catchment, Tanzania has raised social conflict that requires proper water management. Proper management of water resources requires understanding long-term trends of hydrological change. Information of baseflow is critical in the assessment of changes as it is the main contributor to stream flow in the dry season, while also indicating potential shifts in flow pathways in a catchment, including that of groundwater.