Summary
This study applied two complementary hydrological models (WaSiM and SWAT) to quantify water-related ecosystem services in a small catchment in Benin, using an ecosystem accounting framework to distinguish between actual water supply flow and potential supply capacity. Model results indicated a performance threshold of goodness-of-fit coefficients exceeding 75%, and revealed that the catchment's capacity to supply water for crops and household use substantially exceeded current realised flow, suggesting scope for improved water security through better storage and management. The findings provide a methodological basis for supporting sustainable water and food production interventions in water-scarce West African contexts.
UK applicability
The methodological approach of dual-model hydrological assessment and ecosystem service accounting could be adapted to UK catchment management, though the water scarcity and climatic drivers differ substantially from West African conditions. UK application would require recalibration for temperate hydrology and different land-use patterns.
Key measures
Hydrological ecosystem service flow and capacity; goodness-of-fit coefficients (>75%); absolute bias (<25%); crop and household water supply estimates; surface and groundwater availability; temporal shifts in service capacity
Outcomes reported
The study modelled hydrological ecosystem services (HES) capacity and flow in a 14.5 km² catchment in Benin using dual hydrological models (WaSiM and SWAT), demonstrating that the catchment's water supply capacity exceeded actual flow for crop and household uses. Results indicated potential for increased water availability through optimised storage and management interventions.
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