A dynamic land use/land cover input helps in picturing the Sahelian paradox: Assessing variability and attribution of changes in surface runoff in a Sahelian watershed

In Sahelian landscapes, land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics and climate variability are already known to affect the water cycle. its current practice however, hydrological modelling does not account for LULC changes. This issue pertains rapidly evolving watersheds might result in critical inaccuracies simulated processes. this study, Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used simulate surface runoff small watershed of Tougou, which underwent significant changes between 1952 2017. Based on rainfall/runoff data acquired from 2004 2018, SWAT calibrated under two scenarios: a static use scenario (SLU) using single map (in 1999) dynamic (DLU) integrating 3 maps (1999, 2009 2017). The DLU estimated with higher accuracy runoff, deep aquifer infiltration actual evapotranspiration parameters, during historical period 1952–2003 four scenarios 1952, 1973, 1986 opposed fifth these dynamically. found be more effective at picturing so-called paradox (i.e. increase despite decrease rainfall), reported literature Sahel. analysis revealed that fluctuations were both influenced by rainfall Furthermore, isolated contributions showed conditions played dominant role (?lulc = +393.1%) over (?cl ?297%) period. These results highlight importance accounting advocate development integrated frameworks hydrologists resource managers.