Impact of Rainfall Variability on the Streamflow of the Kara River Basin, Northern Togo

Abstract

Water resources are affected by hydrological and climatological reactions in the Kara river Basin. The aim of this work is to analyze the dynamics of rainfall variability on the flow of the Kara River. Data was collected through documentary research and field surveys carried out among 82 correspondents. Data from the hydrological and climatological records (1955-2015) as well as socio-anthropological were used to conduct this research. The results were ascertained through state-pressure-impact-response model (SPIR). Year to year rainfall trends (1963 -2003) related to the stream flow showed that there has been low rainfall since the 1980s. This situation leads to extreme harsh flows of the Kara River located in the Kozah district. A look into the seasonal flow variability (1955-2015) showed that the average monthly flow figures over the years are very low from October to July (09 months) especially after the 1970s. This hydroclimatic dynamics have impacted the availability of water resources in the Kara basin located in the Kozah district. Indeed, the results of the annual changes in rainfall in relation to the flows of the Kara River showed a decrease in rainfall conditions from 1963 to 2003. As a result, people develop coping strategies that are ineffective.