This paper has examined how the resources of the White Volta River are enhancing food availability for riparian communities in northern Ghana despite climate change and its associated effects on food security. Using p...This paper has examined how the resources of the White Volta River are enhancing food availability for riparian communities in northern Ghana despite climate change and its associated effects on food security. Using participatory methods such as focus group discussions and interviews, data was collected from households and institutions in three riparian communities. The result of the study indicates that, all things been equal, cultivation of food crops along the river bank in the rainy season gives significantly high yields as compared to yields from farms farthest from the river under rain fed agriculture. Higher organic content and moisture retention capacity of river bank soils explains the yield differential and adaptability to climate change. In addition, farmers now irrigate cereal crops which were hitherto, reserved for only rainy season production. However, inappropriate irrigation practices are accelerating erosion and sedimentation of the river and thus, threaten the sustainability of agriculture and food security in the White Volta Basin. The paper therefore, recommends the adoption of IWRM （integrated water resources management） and the participation of local communities, Government and Civil Society organisations for sustaining the productive capacity of the White Volta Basin for enabling adaptation of agriculture to climate change in the riparian communities of the basin.展开更多
The northern Batinah occupies approximately 12,150 km2 in the north of Oman Quaternary deposits and Neogene＇s upper Fats form the aquifer units. MODFLOW compatible MT3D was used for simulation development of the area...The northern Batinah occupies approximately 12,150 km2 in the north of Oman Quaternary deposits and Neogene＇s upper Fats form the aquifer units. MODFLOW compatible MT3D was used for simulation development of the area. It can be concluded that： （1） The groundwater in the Batinah area generally flows from the south-west to the gulf of Oman in the north-east; （2） Recharge takes place through direct recharge from rainfall and wadi flow by about 902 ×10^3 ma/day; （3） The hydraulic conductivity attains a relatively wide range between 0.02 m/day and 78 m/day and 0.02 m/day and 60 m/day for the Quaternary and Fars respectively; （4） There is probably less potential for groundwater abstraction in the northern part of the area; （5） The water level decreased by about 6 m over 24 years and （6） The increase of salinity most likely due to a contribution of sea water intrusion from the gulf along the coast. It is recommended that： （1） automatic well control system should be installed to accurate measurements of abstraction; （2） further analysis under different future scenarios should be made and （3） formulate an integrated management plan for the basin.展开更多
Soil erosion and land degradation are global problems and pose major issues in many countries. Both soil erosion and mass movement are two forms of land degradation and humans play important roles in these geomorpholo...Soil erosion and land degradation are global problems and pose major issues in many countries. Both soil erosion and mass movement are two forms of land degradation and humans play important roles in these geomorphological processes. This paper reviews slope processes associated with mass movement and soil erosion and contributory factors, including physical and human agents. Acting together, these cause diverse geomorphological features. Slope processes are illustrated by reference to case studies from Brazil and UK. The causes and impacts of erosion are discussed, along with appropriate remedial bioengineering methods and the potential of the measures to prevent these types of environmental degradation. Although there are several agents of erosion, water is the most important one. Cultivation can promote soil erosion, due to ploughing and harvesting, which moves soil down slopes. Soil erosion and mass movement data would inform the viability of soil conservation practices. Integrated management of drainage basins offers a Dromising way forward for effective soil conservation and soil remedial bioengineering in Brazil and UK.展开更多
文摘This paper has examined how the resources of the White Volta River are enhancing food availability for riparian communities in northern Ghana despite climate change and its associated effects on food security. Using participatory methods such as focus group discussions and interviews, data was collected from households and institutions in three riparian communities. The result of the study indicates that, all things been equal, cultivation of food crops along the river bank in the rainy season gives significantly high yields as compared to yields from farms farthest from the river under rain fed agriculture. Higher organic content and moisture retention capacity of river bank soils explains the yield differential and adaptability to climate change. In addition, farmers now irrigate cereal crops which were hitherto, reserved for only rainy season production. However, inappropriate irrigation practices are accelerating erosion and sedimentation of the river and thus, threaten the sustainability of agriculture and food security in the White Volta Basin. The paper therefore, recommends the adoption of IWRM （integrated water resources management） and the participation of local communities, Government and Civil Society organisations for sustaining the productive capacity of the White Volta Basin for enabling adaptation of agriculture to climate change in the riparian communities of the basin.
文摘The northern Batinah occupies approximately 12,150 km2 in the north of Oman Quaternary deposits and Neogene＇s upper Fats form the aquifer units. MODFLOW compatible MT3D was used for simulation development of the area. It can be concluded that： （1） The groundwater in the Batinah area generally flows from the south-west to the gulf of Oman in the north-east; （2） Recharge takes place through direct recharge from rainfall and wadi flow by about 902 ×10^3 ma/day; （3） The hydraulic conductivity attains a relatively wide range between 0.02 m/day and 78 m/day and 0.02 m/day and 60 m/day for the Quaternary and Fars respectively; （4） There is probably less potential for groundwater abstraction in the northern part of the area; （5） The water level decreased by about 6 m over 24 years and （6） The increase of salinity most likely due to a contribution of sea water intrusion from the gulf along the coast. It is recommended that： （1） automatic well control system should be installed to accurate measurements of abstraction; （2） further analysis under different future scenarios should be made and （3） formulate an integrated management plan for the basin.
基金the financial support of the Brazilian Research Council(CNPq)
文摘Soil erosion and land degradation are global problems and pose major issues in many countries. Both soil erosion and mass movement are two forms of land degradation and humans play important roles in these geomorphological processes. This paper reviews slope processes associated with mass movement and soil erosion and contributory factors, including physical and human agents. Acting together, these cause diverse geomorphological features. Slope processes are illustrated by reference to case studies from Brazil and UK. The causes and impacts of erosion are discussed, along with appropriate remedial bioengineering methods and the potential of the measures to prevent these types of environmental degradation. Although there are several agents of erosion, water is the most important one. Cultivation can promote soil erosion, due to ploughing and harvesting, which moves soil down slopes. Soil erosion and mass movement data would inform the viability of soil conservation practices. Integrated management of drainage basins offers a Dromising way forward for effective soil conservation and soil remedial bioengineering in Brazil and UK.
