Water scarcity risk assessment in Kabong district, using GIS and remote sensing techniques.

Abstract

Water scarcity is currently one of the most pressing global issues, it is estimated that twothirds of the world's population will face moderate to extreme water shortage by 2025. Following an initial review of existing information to explain the current and likely future water scarcity situation, there is limited research to provide timely information based on the severity and extent of water scarcity risks, now and in the near future. The aim of this research therefore was to assess the spatial variability of water scarcity in Kaabong district using GIS and Remote Sensing. Supervised Classification was carried out to obtain LULC maps. The SPEI was used to model the spatial and temporal variability of climate change whereas the WEI was used to model the combined impact of LULC Change and climate change on water resources. The LULC maps showed a decrease in the density of bare ground and an increase in low vegetation, particularly in the study area's southwestern corner. The SPEI findings also highlighted that significant dryness occurred in 2010, particularly in the southern parts of the study area. The WEI results showed that areas with high SPEI values and bare ground had significantly higher water scarcity, highlighting the direct link between LULCC, climate change, and water scarcity. If the current situation is not addressed, there will be severe water scarcity in Kaabong District by 2025. Management institutions should draw up plans to protect the natural water resources in the study area so as to reduce the risk of the locals becoming vulnerable to water scarcity.