Rainfall Variability, Trends, and Dry land Delineation for Effective Vegetation Planning in Southeast Ethiopia

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Ethiopian Forestry Development Dire Dawa Center, Natural Forest and Climate Change Research Process, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

2 Ethiopia Forestry Development Hawasa Center,Natural Forestry and Climate Change Research Process at Hawasa Center, Climate Change Research at Hawasa Center, Hawasa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Rainfall patterns are essential for effective water resource management, vegetation planning, and developing climate adaptation strategies. This study aims to delineate dry land regions and seasonal rainfall regimes to better understand vegetation diversity and inform management strategies in Southeast Ethiopia. The analysis includes assessment of annual and seasonal rainfall variability, long-term trends, and extreme events to support effective vegetation planning. Dry lands region were identified using the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) criterion based on the precipitation-to-potential evapotranspiration (P/PET) ratio (<0.65). Historical rainfall and temperature (maximum and minimum) data from 1987 to 2020 for 28 meteorological stations were analyzed using DrinC and ArcGIS software. The result revealed that 71.4% of the stations (20 sites) fall within dry land regions, while the remaining eight stations have aridity index values greater than 0.65, indicating non-dryland conditions. Based on spatial and temporal rainfall characteristics, the study area was divided into northern and southern regions. Annual rainfall variability was moderate in the north and high in the south region, while seasonal rainfall was high across the entire area. Most stations in both regions exhibited stable annual and seasonal rainfall trends with no significant variation at 95% significant level, although the localized significant trends in Tedechebila, Adigala, Asebot, and Gode were observed. Asebot recorded the highest annual rainfall (1106 mm), whereas Kebridehar recorded the lowest (30 mm). These findings highlight the need for region-specific water and land management and improved monitoring strategies to sustain vegetation diversity in dryland ecosystems.

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Sustainable Earth Trends

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 December 2025

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