This tool was used to investigate the response of the headwater hydrology of the Mara River to scenarios of continued land use change and projected climate change. Under the data-scarce conditions of the basin, model performance was improved using satellite-based estimated rainfall data, which may also improve the usefulness of runoff models in other parts of East Africa. The results of the analysis indicate that any further conversion of forests to agriculture and grassland in the basin headwaters is likely to reduce dry season flows and increase peak flows, leading to greater water scarcity at critical times of the year and exacerbating erosion on hill slopes.
Publication date
Objective
Adaptation
Sectors
Water
Agriculture and forestry
CTCN Keyword Matches
Grassland management
Kenya
Change in land use practices
River restoration
Africa
Non-ferrous metals
Reforestation
Climate change monitoring
Agriculture