ISSN 2167-0447
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 11 (10), pp. 001-012, October, 2021. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Past Hydrological Drought Characteristics of River Enyau Sub-Catchment, Northern Ugand
I Eremugo1, G Gabiri3, MM Tenywa1, P Wamala1, M Bagalwa1, EM Bagula1, AO Kalala2,S Akello1, JGM Majaliwa1
1Department of Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala Uganda.
2Department of Geomatics and Land Management, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala Uganda.
3Department of Geography, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn Germany.
Accepted 12 October, 2021
Abstract
River Enyau sub-catchment, the only reliable source of surface water supplying Arua Municipality and its surroundingis experiencing increasing frequency of hydrological drought attributed to climate and landuse/cover change. This rise in the hydrological drought in the sub-catchment threatens 72% of the household’s access to safe water and increases their vulnerability to food insecurity, water and sanitation challenges. This study aimed to reconstruct past (1980 – 2009) hydrological drought characteristics in River Enyau sub-catchment to create a better understanding of sustainable water resources planning and management. Historical discharge of the sub-catchment was analyzed for hydrological drought frequency, duration and severity using the Threshold Level Method inR software version 3.5.2. Results showed that the sub-catchment experienced hydrological drought in the past that mainly started in the month of March and ended in the month of April in drought years. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the hydrological drought frequency, duration and severity among the different drought years of the past. Therefore, restoration of water towers, best agricultural management practices and proper urban planning are highly recommended in order to reduce the hydrological drought impact on River Enyau sub-catchment.
Keywords: Threshold level method, hydrological drought characteristics, Frequency, Duration, Severity, River Enyau sub-catchment, Northern Uganda.