ABSTRACT
Many developing countries are characterized by unstable weather situations: harsh climates with extreme seasonal and annual rainfall variations. Signifi cant degradations have been observed in those countries, basically due to intensifi cation of poor water management practices and an inadequate infrastructure management. Recurrent catastrophic fl oods have huge social and economic effects that the important investments deriving from several institutions remain insuffi cient. Those countries currently face persisting and new water management system challenges. The improvement of management practices in developing countries must be based on experience in the collection of long term data series, the use of extended numerical tools, and the elaboration of realistic methods. This chapter focuses on Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to illustrate hydrological processes on urban catchment based on measurements and hydrological models. Discussions highlight the importance of hydrological data collection activities which enable to further understand the catchment behavior. These measurements will help to set the relevant hydraulic design parameters and stormwater management strategy appropriate for climate changes. Emphasis is given on the need of integration of actors involved in stormwater drainage. Hence, this method would allow having an accurate idea on phenomena related to the water resources management (frequency of fl oods, droughts, and other weather hazards which impact urban drainage management). At last, some suggestions are presented to adapt this methodology in developping countries.
