Hydrological modelling for water management in arid and semi-arid areas of Africa

Rainfall, evaporation, and runoff formation processes operating in arid and semi-arid areas differ from those in humid temperate regions. A review is presented of how the special nature of hydrological processes in arid and semi-arid areas affects the structure, data requirements, and accuracy of hydrological models for water management in such areas. The role of hydrological models in water management as part of a decision support system for drought management is then highlighted. Recommendations are made as to where future effort should be placed in order to make hydrological modelling more applicable to the water resource problems faced by arid and semi-arid areas of Africa.