Land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes can impact hydrological conditions such as land surface coefficient, runoff, and infiltration. This study investigates the changes in LULC and its impact on water resources of the Wabi Shebele basin using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) and a separation method. Surface and groundwater parameters in the northwestern; and soil and surface parameters in the eastern highland and southern lowland parts of the basin are identified as sensitive parameters in water production. The coverage of cropland was increased by 48.63% while forest and woodland decreased by 49.14 and 14.76%, respectively, between the 1980s and 2010. Streamflow simulated during this period indicates increases in those watersheds showing significant cropland increases and forest coverage decreases particularly in Wabi at Dodola, Maribo, Robe, and Erer watersheds. Flood indices (i.e., AMAX, SMW, SMSp, and SMSu) calculated from simulated daily streamflow under different LULC map indicates an increase in the middle and northwestern watersheds up to 1.83 and 0.44%, respectively. The impact level of LULC change on flood discharge shows a comparable level with climate change impact on flood hazard particularly in the middle part of the basin.

  • LULC shows a significant decrement in the last three decades.

  • SWAT parameters sensitivity varies at upper, middle, and lower parts of the basin.

  • Soil and surface parameters are the most sensitive parameters in flow production in eastern and lowland areas.

  • The impact of LULC on flood hazard is significant in the middle and northwestern parts of the basin.

  • LULC has a comparable impact level with Climate change in the middle.

flood hazard, LULC change, sensitive parameters, separation method, SWAT model
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