| dc.description.abstract | Soil erosion and sedimentation pose significant challenges to water resource management,
particularly in dam catchments. Assessing the sediment yield and erosion rate on dam catchment
is vital for sustaining the environment. This research employed the use Soil and Water Assessment
Tool Plus (SWAT+) model to simulate sediment yield and erosion rates in the Golinga Dam
catchment, Northern Ghana. The study rigorously adapted the following methodology: simulation,
sensitivity analysis and calibration and validation, attaining NSE of 0.85, R2 of 0.85 and a PBIAS
of 7.29% during calibration with a validation result depicting NSE of 0.81, R2 of 0.84 and a PBIAS
of 8.11%. Using topographic, land use, soil properties and hydro-climatic data information, the
model was used to accurately simulate erosion and sediment yield in the catchment, identified
erosion prone areas with intensive agriculture or minimal vegetation cover and predicted best
management practices which significantly reduced erosion and sedimentation. Results indicated a
range of 1.3 to 2.7 tons/ha/yr of sedimentation in the landscape unit resulting in sediment yield of
49.8 to 52 ton/ha/yr in the dam. 6 scenarios of best management practices (BMP) were
implemented to find an efficient soil and water conservation practice which would drastically
reduce sediment yield, slow down erosion rate, and improve water quality. Out of the 6, a combined
management practice (ie; grassed water way and filter strips) was the most effective (about 90%
efficiency). This study emphasizes the importance of proactive management strategies in water
resource planning and agriculture. It highlights the urgent need for responsive policies to
strengthen resilience against anthropogenic activities that trigger sediment environmental
degradation. Such measures are essential for ensuring the sustainable management of the Golinga
Dam catchment, promoting long-term environmental stability and water security. | en_US |
