Drought analysis in southern highland and central Tanzania

Abstract

Temporal characteristics of meteorological drought were investigated to provide a frame work for sustainable water resources in the southern highland and central Tanzania These regions are intensely productive in agricultural activities which makes more important for drought analysis in order to overcome drought risks. Using Precipitation drought index (pDT) drought characteristics for the period 1978 to 2008 were assessed using decadal rainfall and probability drought analysis method were used to analyze drought persistence. Findings showed that drought category that occurred in both regions were mild (low) and Moderate droughts, and most of the drought that occurred persisted for only one year except those that occurred in 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2005 respectively which persisted for at least three years and caused serious human hazards including, food and Hydroelectric power crisis in most of the regions.