Impact of land management on water resources, a South African context

Abstract

Globally, the changes exerted on the land cover have shown greater impacts on the quality and quantity of water resources and thus affecting catchment’s hydrological response (i.e., runoff, evapotranspiration, infiltration, amongst others). South Africa is a water-scarce country faced with domestic water supply challenges. A systematic review was conducted on the overview impacts of land use/land cover changes on water resources. Despite the country’s best efforts in ensuring the protection and sustainable use of water resources, the review indicated that water quality has been compromised in most parts of the country thus affecting water availability. The increase in water demand with development presents the need for better integrated strategic approaches and a change in behaviour towards water resource and land management. Thus, the review suggested a few possible solutions that will promote sustainable development, while protecting and preserving the integrity of South African water resources.