The Effect of Urbanization on the Groundwater Availability in the Masingini–Mwanyanya Catchment Forest, Unguja Island, Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Gardado en:

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:	Hydrology vol. 12, no. 11 (2025), p. 295-315
Autor Principal:	Bakari Said Suleiman
Outros autores:	Kyonda, Suleyman Majaliwa, Hamad, Kai Kombo, Giaccio Federica, Sappa Giuseppe, De Filippi Francesco Maria
Publicado:	MDPI AG
Materias:	Africa Zanzibar East Africa Tanzania Potential resources Urbanization Watersheds Landsat Coastal aquifers Aquifers Cities Population density Sediments Availability Land use Forests Natural resources Climate change Groundwater Coasts Urban development Catchment areas Evolution Sustainable use Precipitation Water resources management Land cover Water management Natural resource management Population growth Water resources Groundwater availability Humidity Urban planning Sustainability management Sustainability Satellite imagery Nature reserves Groundwater recharge Growth rate Stratigraphy Tourism Urban areas Deforestation Urban environments Permeability Rain
Acceso en liña:	Citation/Abstract Full Text + Graphics Full Text - PDF
Etiquetas:	Engadir etiqueta Sen Etiquetas, Sexa o primeiro en etiquetar este rexistro!

Descripción
Resumo:	The Island of Unguja in Zanzibar (Tanzania) has experienced an accelerated urban development growth since the 1990s due to a rapidly increasing population. These rapid land demands put additional stress on the country’s ability to plan urban centers, cities, and the management of natural resources. The study aimed to determine the impact of urbanization on groundwater availability in the catchment area of the Masingini–Mwanyanya forest reserves from 1992 to 2022. The study used a detection approach to determine the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes for three decades, starting from 1992 to 2022. Landsat remote sensed images of 1992, 2002, 2012, and 2022 were used. Additionally, a paired t-test was conducted to determine the significant changes in mean population growth, urbanization, and humidity. The aquifer recharge evolution analysis was conducted using the QGIS software (3.34.8 released version). Obtained results revealed that for these three decades, the forest areas decreased by 14.5% (i.e., from 8.3 km2 in 1992 to 7.1 km2 in 2022), while built-up area increased from 0 km2 in 1992 to 1.7 km2 in 2022. Moreover, the evolution of undesirable Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes, particularly the persistent conversion of forested areas into built-up zones, has been detected. This trend poses a significant threat to the sustainable management of water resources and catchment forest reserves. The study also indicated a decline in the recharge of the coastal aquifer supplying Zanzibar City, which decreased from 15.5 Mm3 to 11.1 Mm3. These findings highlight that the Masingini Forest Reserve is increasingly encroached by rapid urbanization, which is a phenomenon that may jeopardize the availability and sustainability of groundwater resources in the catchment without proper urban planning. Based on these results, the study recommends further research and upscaling of the existing findings, as well as collaboration with relevant authorities to redefine the Masingini–Mwanyanya forest catchment area to ensure the sustainable use of groundwater resources.
ISSN:	2306-5338
DOI:	10.3390/hydrology12110295
Fonte:	Agriculture Science Database