Impact of Rainfall Variability and Land Use Change on River Discharge in South Cameroon

Climate change, variability and anthropogenic forcings such as land use change are the main of river discharge variability. However, an understanding their simultaneous impacts on remains limited in some parts world. To shed light this issue, objective article is to investigate effects rainfall Nyong basin (at Olama Mbalmayo gauging stations) its sub-basins (So’o Mefou) over long period 1950–2018. achieve goal, hydro-meteorological data were analyzed using Pettitt test. Likewise, changes also supervised classifications Landsat satellite images basins at different periods (1973, 2000 2018). On annual scale, has decreased statistically studied basins. In large (Olama Mbalmayo), decrease synchronous with that discharges, while it concomitant increase Mefou (small basin). After ruptures within time series identified modules, extreme discharges (maximum minimum) Olama; Mbalmayo, maximum remained stable minimum decreased. other hand, have significantly increased Mefou. The stability extremes a context where precipitation generates can be attributed change. These essentially marked by impervious areas reduction forest cover. seasonal impact dry season visible flows rainy seasons follow them Mbalmayo). Between decades 1970–1990 2000–2010, there was respectively significant increase, then summer precipitation, which impacted autumn same direction. Conversely, between intervals, decrease, slight winter precipitation. spring more during first only (1970–1990). During second period, seems runoff for season. sub-basin, plays amplifying role they occur. Those having experienced or maintenance (summer spring) recorded most increases discharges. results could useful long-term planning demand water, well flood management