Integrated Assessment of Climate and Land Use/Land Cover Change Effects on Hydrological Responses in the Hare River Watershed, Southern Ethiopia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70917/jcc-2026-028Keywords:
Climate change, Land use land cover, SWAT, Hydrological response, CMIP6, Hare watershedAbstract
This study assesses the integrated impacts of land use/land cover (LULC) change and climate change on hydrological responses in the Hare watershed, Southern Ethiopia, using the SWAT model. Historical climate trends, LULC dynamics, and future climate projections based on CMIP6 scenarios were analyzed. The model was calibrated and validated using observed stream flow data. Results indicate that LULC change and climate variability significantly influence surface runoff, evapotranspiration, base flow, and water yield. Combined scenarios showed stronger hydrological responses compared to individual impacts. The findings provide useful insights for sustainable watershed management under changing climate and land-use conditions.
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