Groundwater mapping for climate resilience

Groundwater serves as a critical resource for sustaining livelihoods, supporting agriculture, and enhancing climate resilience in Kenya's arid and semi-arid regions (ASALs). Persistent water scarcity in these areas poses significant threats to socio-economic development and ecosystem health. The identification of reliable groundwater resources is hindered by complex geological conditions, insufficient hydrogeological data, and increasing climate variability.

This study demonstrates the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geophysical techniques to map groundwater potential zones and support sustainable water resource development. Multiple spatial datasets, including geology, drainage patterns, slope, rainfall distribution, land use, and lineament density, were analyzed within a GIS-based multi-criteria decision framework to generate groundwater potential maps. Electrical resistivity surveys were conducted to characterize subsurface formations, determine aquifer depth and thickness, and validate groundwater prospects. Existing borehole records were further used to verify the model.

The results show that regions with high lineament density, permeable geological formations, moderate slopes, and favorable recharge conditions are closely associated with productive aquifers. The integrated approach enhances the accuracy of groundwater exploration, lowers the risk of unsuccessful drilling, and offers a cost-effective tool for water resource planning in data-scarce environments.

This study underscores the importance of integrating geospatial and geophysical technologies to improve water security, advance climate adaptation, and support sustainable development in vulnerable communities. The resulting groundwater potential maps offer actionable information for policymakers, water managers, and local stakeholders aiming to improve water access, increase resilience to climate change, and promote sustainable management of aquatic and water-dependent ecosystems.

KEYWORDS

Groundwater Potential Mapping; GIS; Geophysics; Water Security; Climate Resilience