Filling the observational void: Scientific value and quantitative validation of hydrometeorological data from a community-based monitoring programme

TLDR

In regions with sparse formal hydrometeorological networks, community-based monitoring can fill the observational void by providing improved spatial and temporal characterisation of rainfall, river flow, and groundwater levels. This study demonstrates that community‑based hydrometeorological monitoring programmes can deliver reliable, high‑quality measurements comparable to formal observations. The community‑generated daily rainfall, river stage, and groundwater time series met quality control standards, matched formal observations, and proved valuable for water‑resource assessment, while community engagement workshops revealed increased hydrological knowledge and empowerment, supporting participatory management of local catchments.

Abstract

This study shows how community-based hydrometeorological monitoring programmes can provide reliable high-quality measurements comparable to formal observations. Time series of daily rainfall, river stage and groundwater levels obtained by a local community in Dangila woreda, northwest Ethiopia, have passed accepted quality control standards and have been statistically validated against formal sources. In a region of low-density and declining formal hydrometeorological monitoring networks, a situation shared by much of the developing world, community-based monitoring can fill the observational void providing improved spatial and temporal characterisation of rainfall, river flow and groundwater levels. Such time series data are invaluable in water resource assessment and management, particularly where, as shown here, gridded rainfall datasets provide gross under or over estimations of rainfall and where groundwater level data are non-existent. Discussions with the local community during workshops held at the setup of the monitoring programme and since have demonstrated that the community have become engaged in the project and have benefited from a greater hydrological knowledge and sense of ownership of their resources. This increased understanding and empowerment is at the relevant scale required for effective community-based participatory management of shallow groundwater and river catchments.