Author : KAH MATTY
This thesis investigated the impacts of climate variability (CV) and land use/land cover change (LULCC) on streamflow in the Continental Gambia River Basin (West Africa) using the SWAT model. Analysis of hydroclimatic data (1990–2022) revealed increasing rainfall, rising temperatures, and higher streamflow in recent years. LULCC assessment showed declines in savanna, water bodies, and burned areas, alongside increases in forest cover, agricultural land, and Bowe steppe. SWAT simulated results indicate that CV had a stronger influence on streamflow than LULCC, increasing discharge by up to 72% during wetter periods The study highlights the combined role of CV and LULC dynamics in shaping water-resource sustainability in the basin.