Filling the observational void: Scientific value and quantitative validation of hydrometeorological data from a community-based monitoring programme

Walker, David W.; Forsythe, Nathan; Parkin, Geoffrey; Gowing, John

doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2016.04.062

Cited by 101 publications

(102 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…River stage in the Brante river was measured twice‐daily, rainfall was measured daily in a manual raingauge, and groundwater levels were measured bi‐daily in five wells since March 2014 and daily in 25 wells since February 2015. The hand‐dug wells have an average diameter of 1 m with depths ranging from 3 to 21 m. Rainfall and river stage from the community‐based monitoring have been validated against formal sources confirming the quality of the data (Walker et al ). The Amen (37.0 km 2 ) and Brante (65.5 km 2 ) are sub‐catchments of the Kilti (631.7 km 2 ).…”

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 73%

Insights From a Multi‐Method Recharge Estimation Comparison Study

Walker¹,

Parkin

Schmitter

et al. 2018

Groundwater

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Although most recharge estimation studies apply multiple methods to identify the possible range in recharge values, many do not distinguish clearly enough between inherent uncertainty of the methods and other factors affecting the results. We investigated the additional value that can be gained from multi-method recharge studies through insights into hydrogeological understanding, in addition to characterizing uncertainty. Nine separate groundwater recharge estimation methods, with a total of 17 variations, were applied at a shallow aquifer in northwest Ethiopia in the context of the potential for shallow groundwater resource development. These gave a wide range of recharge values from 45 to 814 mm/a. Critical assessment indicated that the results depended on what the recharge represents (actual, potential, minimum recharge or change in aquifer storage), and spatial and temporal scales, as well as uncertainties from application of each method. Important insights into the hydrogeological system were gained from this detailed analysis, which also confirmed that the range of values for actual recharge was reduced to around 280-430 mm/a. This study demonstrates that even when assumptions behind methods are violated, as they often are to some degree especially when data are limited, valuable insights into the hydrogeological system can be gained from application of multiple methods.

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Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 73%

Insights From a Multi‐Method Recharge Estimation Comparison Study

Walker¹,

Parkin

Schmitter

et al. 2018

Groundwater

Self Cite

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“…A recent paper by Walker et al (2016) stressed that in a region of low density and declining formal hydro-meteorological monitoring networks, a situation shared by much of the developing world community-based monitoring can fill the observational void by providing improved spatial and temporal characteristics of rainfall, river flow and groundwater levels.…”

Section: Participatory Approach To Establish Hydro-meteorological Stamentioning

confidence: 99%

A watershed approach to managing rainfed agriculture in the semiarid region of southern Mali: integrated research on water and land use

Zemadim

Traoré

Gumma

et al. 2018

Environ Dev Sustain

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Soil and water conservation (SWC) practices like that of erosion control and soil fertility measures were commonly practiced in the semiarid region of southern Mali since the 1980s. The SWC practices were mainly meant to increase water availability in the subsurface, reduce farm water runoff and gully formation and improve nutrient content of the soil, thereby increasing crop yield. Despite such efforts to promote at scale SWC practices, the landscape of southern Mali is still affected by high rates of runoff and soil erosion and low crop yield in farmers' fields. Data are lacking on previous beneficial SWC practices that could be adapted for wider application. In this paper, a watershed approach to managing rainfed agriculture is presented to show potential benefits of SWC practices at field and watershed scales. The approach included (1) community participation in establishing and monitoring new sets of hydro-meteorological monitoring stations and field experiments; (2) studying the dynamics and consumptive water uses of different land uses over time; and (3) evaluating the biophysical and economic advantages of SWC practices

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“…The majority of citizen science projects in hydrology are located in non‐tropical countries (Buytaert et al, ), but there are some examples of projects whereby the local community is actively involved in tropical environments, including several projects in Ethiopia (Liu, Collick et al, ; D. Walker, Forsythe, Parkin, & Gowing, ; Zemadim, McCartney, Langan, & Sharma, ), Tanzania (Gomani et al, ), South Africa (Kongo, Kosgei, Jewitt, Lorentz, ), the Andean region (Célleri et al, ), and in Bolivia (Le Tellier et al, ). In most cases, studies conclude that the involvement of the local community improves the positive perception of local communities towards research and avoids issues such as vandalism.…”

Section: Opportunities In Ecohydrology Of Tropical Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Watershed services in the humid tropics: Opportunities from recent advances in ecohydrology

et al. 2017

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In response to increasing pressures on water resources, watershed services management programs are implemented throughout the tropics. These programs aim to promote land management activities that enhance the quantity and quality of water available to local communities. The success of these programs hinges on our ability to (a) understand the impacts of watershed interventions on ecohydrology; (b) model these impacts and design efficient management programs; and (c) develop strategies to overcome barriers to practical policy development, including resource limitations or the absence of baseline data. In this paper, we review opportunities in ecohydrological science that will help address these three challenges. The opportunities are grouped into measurement techniques, modelling approaches, and access to resources in our hyperconnected world. We then assess management implications of both the knowledge gaps and the new research developments related to the effect of land management. Overall, we stress the importance of policy‐relevant knowledge for implementing efficient and equitable watershed services programs in the tropics.

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Filling the observational void: Scientific value and quantitative validation of hydrometeorological data from a community-based monitoring programme

Cited by 101 publications

References 47 publications

Insights From a Multi‐Method Recharge Estimation Comparison Study

Insights From a Multi‐Method Recharge Estimation Comparison Study

A watershed approach to managing rainfed agriculture in the semiarid region of southern Mali: integrated research on water and land use

Watershed services in the humid tropics: Opportunities from recent advances in ecohydrology

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