Spatiotemporal climate variability and meteorological drought characterization in Ethiopia. Issue 1 (31st December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kourouma, Jean Moussa; Eze, Emmanuel; Kelem, Goitom; Negash, Emnet; Phiri, Darius; Vinya, Royd; Girma, Atkilt; Zenebe, Amanuel
• Is Part Of: Geomatics, natural hazards & risk. Volume 13:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 2049
• Page End: 2085
• Publication Date: 2022-12-31
• Subjects: Meteorological drought -- Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) -- Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) -- Ethiopia -- Potential Evapotranspiration (PET); Geomatics -- Periodicals; Geomatics; Periodicals; 526.905
• DOI: 10.1080/19475705.2022.2106159
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1947-5705

Abstract

Abstract: Increasing drought patterns with profound effects on livelihoods and food security have been documented in Ethiopia. From previous studies', assessments at various timescales, Ethiopia is regarded as a drought-prone country in East Africa. However, there is no documentation available. This paper investigates the spatiotemporal patterns of drought characteristics in 16 woredas (districts) as well as in the 14 homogeneous rainfall zones of homogeneous using monthly rainfall and temperature data over the period 1983 to 2020. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) were computed using time-series meteorological data to depict the spatial extent of drought characteristics and patterns at 4- and 12-month timescales. Within the period investigated, 12-month, 2015, and 2019 recorded the most extreme countrywide drought. The most prolonged drought duration lasted for 12 months in 2015. Although Ethiopia is a drought-prone country, the frequency, magnitude, and severity vary spatially by region. In planning for future actions, particular emphasis must be paid to the northeastern, eastern, northwestern, and southeastern parts of the country, which are more vulnerable. The findings could potentially influence and redirect national drought management and disaster preparedness programs for the affected areas. HIGHLIGHTS: 1984 and 2015 were years with the most severe and countrywide extreme drought episodes. The average SPI and SPEI from 1983 to 2020 showed a weak positive trend. Drought magnitude ranges from −1.7 to −2.1 for SPEI 4 and −1.9 to −2.1 for SPEI-12-months. 2015 experienced the most prolonged drought with a length of about 12 months. Stakeholders should give particular attention to Ethiopia's northeastern, central, and southeastern parts.