Integrated modeling of land and water resources in two African catchments

Abstract

Land and water are two of the most important and interacting natural resources that are critical for human survival and development. Growing population and global economic expansion are accelerating the demand for land and water for uses such as agriculture, urbanization, irrigation, hydropower, and industrialization. The land surface changes dynamically due to these demands and other socio-economic drivers. Biophysical factors such as topographic suitability, climate change, and rainfall variability further influence land use changes and land-use change decisions. Water resources are likewise experiencing pressure from overuse, pollution, and changes in hydrologic processes as a result of both socio-economic and biophysical factors.