Effect of deforestation and subsistence agriculture on runoff of the Kafue River headwaters, Zambia

Abstract

Hydrological observations were carried out on 4 small catchments under natural conditions, and under agricultural use with accompanying deforestation. Simple linear regression analysis of both monthly and annual runoff from both the treated and undisturbed catchments showed that there was an increase in streamflow as a result of deforestation and subsistence agriculture. It is also shown that the shape of the flood hydrograph was changed as a result of changes in land use.-from Author