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Research Article
Hydroclimatic Projections for the Mouhoun Basin in Burkina Faso by the Year 2100
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
163-174
Received:
17 September 2025
Accepted:
21 October 2025
Published:
12 November 2025
Abstract: This study assesses the potential impact of climate change on streamflow in the Mouhoun River Basin, Burkina Faso. Eight downscaled global climate models (GCMs) from CMIP6, provided by the NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 program (ACCESS-CM2, ACCESS-ESM1-5, MIROC6, MIROC-ES2L, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, MPI-ESM1-2-LR, MRI-ESM2-0, and NESM3), were employed. The ensemble mean of these models was considered for the historical period (1960–2014) and for future projections (2015–2100) under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs): SSP1-2.6 (optimistic), SSP2-4.5 (intermediate), and SSP5-8.5 (pessimistic). These climate data were used as inputs to the GR6J hydrological model to simulate streamflow up to 2100. The analysis focused on the interannual mean of hydro-climatic projections for three time horizons: near-term (2025–2054), mid-term (2055–2084), and long-term (2071–2100), compared with the reference period 1981–2010. Results show a general increase in streamflow across all scenarios. Under SSP1-2.6, anomalies reach +43.4% in the near term but gradually decline (+22.4% and +12.9%), indicating a tendency to return toward historical conditions. SSP2-4.5 exhibits a stronger increase (+51.2%, +36.2%, +35.3%) but also a progressive decline. In contrast, SSP5-8.5 reveals a sharp intensification of flows, with anomalies of +78.7%, +107%, and +110%, highlighting an increased risk of long-term hydrological imbalance. Regarding rainfall, an increase is observed in the northern basin under SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5 (+95 mm, +60 mm, +40 mm; and +115 mm, +105 mm, +90 mm across periods), with an overall trend returning to historical levels. A similar pattern is observed in the south, with temporary increases followed by a downward trend. However, under SSP5-8.5, rainfall rises sharply in both the north (+150 mm, +210 mm, +230 mm) and the south, suggesting a sustained intensification. These results underscore the strong hydro-climatic variability across scenarios and time horizons. They highlight the urgent need for integrated water resource management strategies, particularly in the agricultural sector, to meet the growing demands of an expanding population and to mitigate risks associated with future hydrological excesses or deficits.
Abstract: This study assesses the potential impact of climate change on streamflow in the Mouhoun River Basin, Burkina Faso. Eight downscaled global climate models (GCMs) from CMIP6, provided by the NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 program (ACCESS-CM2, ACCESS-ESM1-5, MIROC6, MIROC-ES2L, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, MPI-ESM1-2-LR, MRI-ESM2-0, and NESM3), were employed. The ensemble mean of ...
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Research Article
Urban Development Implications on Water Quality in Bamenda City, Cameroon
Nfor Constance Kinyui,
Mary Lum Fonteh Niba*,
Fombe Lawrence Fon
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
175-189
Received:
2 October 2025
Accepted:
22 October 2025
Published:
22 November 2025
Abstract: Urban development across the world significantly alters potable water quality. Urban wastes pose a pollution threat to water quality and supply. In Bamenda City, there is increasing alterations of water sources by pollution with inadequate capacity to manage the increasing demand for quality potable water. Large amounts of wastes are dumped in nearby drains and stream channels. This article aims to examine the implications of urban development on water quality, anchored on the premise that urban development significantly affects water quality in Bamenda City. A sample of 300 questionnaires were administered, complemented by field observations and secondary data sources. Water Laboratory Tests to determine biological parameters, Inorganic chemicals: Calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulfate, bicarbonate, nitrites, nitrates, phosphate and Heavy metals: lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, Mercury, copper, zinc, iron, aluminium based on WHO standards were done. Findings revealed Organoleptic properties for boreholes and well water were at acceptable limits and poses no danger. Physiochemical properties have pH values within the WHO acceptable limit (6.5-8.5), but higher in wet season (7.6) with concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NO3-, Cl-, and NH4+ above the acceptable levels especially in wells, and streams. Probable number of bacteria per 100ml for the water ranged from 3-1100+, which is not at an acceptable standard due to urban pollution. Specific bacteria identified included Enterobacteria spp, E. coli, Steptococcuss spp, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Staphylococcus spp and Vibrio spp. This shows a strong relationship between urban development and potable water supply. Water quality increases with improvement in urban development planning especially as urban potable water is a major resource for urban health care and sanitation. Planned urban development can ensure sustainable water quality supply in urbanising communities.
Abstract: Urban development across the world significantly alters potable water quality. Urban wastes pose a pollution threat to water quality and supply. In Bamenda City, there is increasing alterations of water sources by pollution with inadequate capacity to manage the increasing demand for quality potable water. Large amounts of wastes are dumped in near...
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Research Article
Simulation of Water Balance Components Using the SWAT Model in the Birr Watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin
Mamaru Mequanent Bitew*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
190-203
Received:
26 May 2025
Accepted:
16 June 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wros.20251406.13
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Abstract: To manage water resources sustainably, understanding their quantity in spatial and temporal contexts is essential. Simulating Water Balance Components (WBCs) plays a crucial role. This study uses the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to analyze water balance in the Birr Watershed of the Upper Blue Nile Basin, enhancing management strategies. By examining precipitation, evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and groundwater flow, the research provides insights into water availability and environmental impact. A comprehensive understanding of the water balance is crucial; however, past studies often overlooked long-term hydrological responses to climate and land use changes. To address this, the study uses datasets from 1990 to 2005, calibrating the model against streamflow records with the SUFI-2 algorithm, achieving high accuracy with NSE and R² values over 0.68. Findings indicate annual precipitation increased by 28.1%, from 457 mm in 1992 to 580 mm in 2006, then dropped to 264.88 mm in 2020, still 38% above initial levels, indicating significant climatic changes. Surface runoff surged by 55.7%, and groundwater flow grew by 42.7%, suggesting enhanced water availability but also potential risks for flooding and erosion. Evapotranspiration decreased slightly by 1.9%, likely due to varying climate factors. These hydrological changes affect agricultural productivity and ecosystem health, though uncertainties persist due to data constraints and insufficient integration of climate change assessments. Policymakers should implement integrated watershed management, promote sustainable land use, develop flood risk strategies, and strengthen hydrological data systems. Adaptive management strategies and cross-sector collaboration are essential for addressing climate change impacts and ensuring sustainable water resources for the basin's ecosystems. This study offers critical insights for effective policies aimed at sustainable hydrological management in vulnerable river basins.
Abstract: To manage water resources sustainably, understanding their quantity in spatial and temporal contexts is essential. Simulating Water Balance Components (WBCs) plays a crucial role. This study uses the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to analyze water balance in the Birr Watershed of the Upper Blue Nile Basin, enhancing management strategi...
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Research Article
Effect of Drip and Furrow Irrigation Methods on Yield and Water Productivity of Onion In East Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia
Anbese Ambomsa*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
204-213
Received:
1 October 2025
Accepted:
23 October 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wros.20251406.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Water scarcity in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia severely constrains crop production, necessitating efficient irrigation methods. This study evaluated the performance of drip and furrow irrigation for onion production in a 2018 field experiment in Adama district, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Irrigation method significantly (p<0.05) influenced leaf number, bulb diameter, total and marketable bulb yield, and water productivity. Drip irrigation markedly outperformed furrow irrigation, achieving a total bulb yield of 40.76 t/ha and marketable yield of 37.39 t/ha compared to 37.14 t/ha and 34.05 t/ha, respectively, under furrow irrigation. The bulb diameter under drip irrigation was marginally greater, measuring 5.72 cm compared to 5.70 cm for furrow irrigation. This slight increase reflects the enhanced water efficiency associated with drip irrigation, contributing to marginally larger bulb size. Most notably, water productivity under drip irrigation (12.48 kg/m³) was substantially higher than that under furrow irrigation (7.45 kg/m³), demonstrating greater efficiency in water use. These results indicate that drip irrigation not only increases onion yield but also significantly enhances water productivity, making it a sustainable and water-saving irrigation strategy in this water-limited area. Adoption of drip irrigation could improve crop water use efficiency and contribute to better resource management in the region, addressing critical water scarcity challenges while boosting agricultural productivity.
Abstract: Water scarcity in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia severely constrains crop production, necessitating efficient irrigation methods. This study evaluated the performance of drip and furrow irrigation for onion production in a 2018 field experiment in Adama district, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Irrigation meth...
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