Spatial and temporal characterization of droughts in Tanzania – evaluation of five drought indices


Spatial and temporal characterization of droughts in Tanzania – evaluation of five drought indices

Host Institution: Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam.

 Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

 Supervisors:
(1) Dr. Madaka Tumbo;
(2) Dr. Patrick Valimba.

Project Description :
Tanzania is characterised by a large spatial and temporal climate variability and is frequently affected by extreme events with sometimes severe negative consequences to livelihoods, economy, and environment. Droughts have large impacts on agriculture and hydropower, but even so, studies characterizing their extent and connection to the regional climatic variability remain scarce. This study is aimed at evaluating the applicability of five drought indices in by analysing their capability to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of droughts. The indices to be assessed includes the Standardized Precipitation Index, Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index, Effective Drought Index, Percent Normal and Deciles. Since the observational data in the region are often scarce and uncertain, the computation of the indices will be done using different meteorological data sets based on gauged and/or satellite precipitation and temperature data.

Applications for this internship should be submitted via the online application system, stating clearly the title of the internship.

Deadline for applications: January 20th, 2020 – 11:59 PM (EAT).

Any inquiries about these internships should be sent to:
aims-ms4cr.internship@nexteinstein.org.