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Takele, et al.

is about securing a sustainable and dignified future for local water resources have been depleted for several
humanity and the planet we share. 6,7 decades. 27-29 Despite growing concerns over water
Land use and land cover (LULC) and climate scarcity, groundwater depletion and the LULC changes
change, in particular, are disrupting vital processes such in the region have impacted the groundwater potential
as groundwater recharge, surface runoff, and overall of the area.
watershed hydrology, making it even harder to manage This study aims to investigate the impacts of LULC
and sustain these resources. 8-10 Furthermore, LULC changes on groundwater recharge in the Dire Dawa
changes, driven by both urban sprawl and industrial watershed in Ethiopia from 2000 to 2022. Unlike
growth, have compounded these challenges, particularly previous research that primarily focused on surface
in arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity is runoff and flood hazards or employed broader spatial
30
already a pressing concern. 11,12 models, such as WetSpass, to estimate groundwater
Understanding how LULC changes affect recharge, a process-based and temporally detailed
31
groundwater recharge is vital, especially as urban simulation was utilized in this study using the SWAT.
areas expand and natural landscapes transform. 4,13,14 By integrating recent LULC data with hydrological
These changes disrupt the natural water balance, modeling, a more comprehensive understanding of how
impacting ecosystems, agriculture, and the daily lives landscape changes influence groundwater availability is
of communities. Groundwater sustainability, therefore, provided, addressing a gap that has not yet been fully
is not only a scientific challenge but also a pressing explored in the Dire Dawa context.
human concern. Effective groundwater management is The analysis of this study’s results offers insights into
9
crucial for preserving ecosystem health and maintaining sustainable watershed management. It contributes to
watershed functionality. 15,16 Without it, groundwater Ethiopia’s broader climate resilience efforts, including
depletion could lead to severe consequences, including the Green Legacy Initiative, which serves as an
increased water scarcity and ecological degradation at essential component of national environmental policies,
both local and regional scales. 17,18 focusing on reforestation and conservation goals. The
32
In response to these challenges, the Soil and Water efforts made toward reforestation directly contribute
Assessment Tool (SWAT) has emerged as an essential to groundwater recharge through their impact on the
tool in groundwater studies. 14,19,20 When combined with infiltration of soil water, reduction of surface runoff,
geographical information systems (GIS) and remote and improvement of groundwater recharge dynamics.
sensing data, SWAT provides a robust and integrated The sustainability and long-term water security of
framework for evaluating the influence of environmental the local water resources in the region depend on
factors on water balance components across various these conservation methods, which aim to mitigate
watershed scales. 21,22 Its ability to simulate spatial environmental degradation and promote sustainable
and temporal variations makes the SWAT particularly resource management. 32
effective in regions facing environmental stressors,
such as climate change and rapid urbanization. 4,9,23 2. Methodology
This modeling capacity is especially relevant in
vulnerable areas, such as the Dire Dawa watershed in 2.1. Study area
eastern Ethiopia, where shifting LULC patterns and 2.1.1. Geographical setting
climate variability necessitate informed, scenario-based The Dire Dawa watershed is situated in eastern Ethiopia,
analyses to support sustainable water management. within the Awash River basin, south of the Afar
In Ethiopia, groundwater is a critical resource for Depression. It is located between latitudes 9°26’00”
irrigation, industrial use, and domestic consumption. and 9°45’30” N and longitudes 41°41’00”–42°06’30”
However, the country’s water resources are under E, approximately 515 km from Addis Ababa (Figure 1).
increasing stress due to rapid urbanization, population The research area is situated within a semi-arid
growth, and climate variability. 3,24,25 Accurate zone, and the match between climate and landform
assessments of groundwater recharge potential are is a crucial factor in determining water resources.
essential for guiding sustainable water management Located in the basin of the foothills surrounding the
practices and ensuring long-term water security. 3,26 mountains, the catchment is supplied by several rivers,
The Dire Dawa watershed in Ethiopia’s Awash River the largest of which cuts through the area’s core. The
basin (Figure 1) exemplifies these challenges. As region experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern, with the
urbanization and industrial activities have grown, highest rainfall intensities occurring between July and

Volume 22 Issue 6 (2025) 104 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025180139