Author(s): Elias Bojago Dado
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Changing Climate; Innovative trend analysis; Kriging-interpolation; Rainfall variability; Spatial analysis
Abstract: Climate variability poses significant environmental challenges, particularly in regions such as Ethiopia's Wolaita zone. This study analyzes rainfall patterns from 1987 to 2022, focusing on both spatial and temporal dimensions. Utilizing statistical methods including mean values, coefficient of variation (CV), precipitation concentration index (PCI), and standardized anomaly index (SAI), study investigates rainfall variability. Non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK) tests, Sen's slope estimator, and innovative trend analysis (ITA) were conducted using ArcGIS10.8 and XLSTAT with R programming. Results indicate substantial fluctuations in the weighted average annual rainfall, with minimum rainfall recorded in 2003 and maximum in 1997. Seasonal analysis reveals that negative anomalies predominated outside the Beg season. Rainfall distribution varied significantly across Agricultural Ecological Zones (AEZs), with higher rainfall in highland areas. Findings underscore the necessity for localized strategies in development planning, disaster risk reduction, and climate-smart agricultural practices to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability in Wolaita and similar regions.
Year: 2024