Aspects of Hydrology and Water Resource Management of ASALs in the Tropics

Abstract

ASALs in the tropics present challenges to sustainable livelihoods that include drought vagaries, changing land uses, population increase, water insecurity due to rising demands and quality deterioration, as well as environmental degradation leading to declining agricultural productivity and food security. Climate change and transboundary conflicts give rise to governance challenges in water resource management of the ASALs in the tropics, and knowledge of the hydrologic processes would be critical in policy and stakeholder engagement. This chapter discusses the various aspects pertaining to the pertinent hydrological processes crucial for sustainable resource planning and development in watersheds in the tropics and also proposes best management practices including rainwater harvesting that would ensure sustained information and data for improved livelihoods in ASALs.