Modelling the Impacts of Climate Change on Water Level Fluctuations in Water Resources in Tanzania: A Case Study of Mtera Dam

Abstract

This study presents the modelling of impacts of climate change on water resources. Mtera dam in Tanzania was taken as a case study. Data for climate variables on four stations were obtained from Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) while data for water level were obtained from Rufiji Basin Development Authority (RUBADA). The study aimed at doing regression analysis on all stations to analyze the impacts of change in climate variables on water level. Results show that rainfall was significant predictor of water level at Iringa and Dodoma while temperature and sunshine were significant at Mbeya station. Change in climate variables accounted for 37% of the fluctuations of water level in the dam. It was recommended that TANESCO should construct small dams on upper side of Mtera dam to harvest rain water during rainy season. In long run TANESCO should invest into alternative sources of energy.