ABSTRACT
In many developing countries, hydro-meteorological data is scarce due to dysfunctional or non-existent monitoring networks. Where available, such networks are not normally at the desired temporal and spatial scales. Studies in Malawi have shown variations of weather systems at relatively low spatial scales. Such variations, typical of tropical weather, entail a need for increasing the density of the hydro-meteorological monitoring networks for effective monitoring. This study is aimed at improving our understanding of hydro-meteorological processes in the Lake Chilwa Basin, a socio-economically important ecosystem in Malawi with a population of 1.6 million. The study used historical data of rainfall, river discharge and lake levels from old and new monitoring networks installed under the Lake Chilwa Basin Climate Change Adaptation Programme (LCBCCAP). The discharge data were also applied in regionalization to understand the frequency and magnitudes of floods and low flows. The role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in climate change adaptation was investigated through community engagement. The results have shown a declining trend of annual rainfall, river discharge, lake levels and shifts in rainfall onset and cessation. The quantiles of low flows and floods developed in the study can be used in estimating these hydrological extremes in the ungauged parts of the basin. Lastly, a need was identified to validate the various IKS used by the communities with empirical data.
