Munkyala, David2020-03-282020-03-282017Munkyala, D. (2017) Assessment of surface water resources availability and allocation in Ndembera catchment, Rufiji basin. Assessment of surface water resources availability and allocation in Ndembera catchment, Rufiji basinhttp://41.86.178.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/8468Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF HD1699.T34M86)Water is a vital resource for supporting socio-economic development and ecosystem. Ndembera is a tributary of Great Ruaha River in Rufiji basin covering an area of 3,190 km . Surface water allocation is a major challenges facing water resources management in Ndembera catchment- This has resulted to reduced downstream flow, water user conflicts and drying up of Great Ruaha River in the Ruaha National Park. Also, despite the proposed investments in the catchment such as irrigation expansion (3000 ha), construction of Lugoda dam (347.45 Mm3) and Maluluma hydropower (2 MW) there is a limited understanding of the future flows in relation to climate change. This study aimed to estimate the current and future water availability as well as their demands, and suggest the best management options. The current and fixture flows in the catchment were assessed by using Soil Water Assessment Tool while the estimation of demands were guided by Water Supply Design Manual and CROPWAT 8.0 model. Water allocation modelling and Multi Criteria Analysis were done by Mike Hydro model and Nile Basin Decision Support System respectively. Assessment shows that the current flow in the catchment is 969,408 m3/day while the demand is 525,112 m3/day. Also the future flow increased to 1,157,760 m3/day while the demand increased to 847,287 m3/day. The future flow and demand increased due to projected increased rainfall and population respectively. Generally, the water shortage in the catchment is mainly caused by poor planning and management. The study revealed that, the best management option will be attained through irrigation expansion by 1500 ha, improved irrigation efficiency by 20%, construction of dam and hydropower as well as diverting the river directly to Ruaha National Park.ensurface water resourcesNdemberaRufiji basinThesis