Utilization of Hydrological Software for Effective Water Governance and Capacity Building in the Nigerian Water Sector

Abstract

Good water governance, strong political will, capacity building, enabling environment, financial viability, accountability frame-work, reliable service and acceptable standards are essential for efficient and sustainable water supplies in developed and developing coun¬tries. The methodology includes literature reviews, case studies and information collated from experts in the water sector. To address these complex issues, hydrological software has emerged as an indispensable tool for enhancing water governance and capacity building in the water sector. Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL), Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), Land Surface Analysis Satellite Applications Facility (LSA-SAF), data assimilation (DA), GIS, HEC-HMS, EPANET and much other software can assist in obtaining hydrological data. Hydrological software offers powerful capabilities for collecting, analyzing, and vis¬ualizing hydrological data, enabling water managers, policymakers, and stakeholders to make informed decisions based on scientific evidence. This software leverages advanced algorithms and models to simulate water flow, quantify water availability, predict floods and droughts, and assess the impact of various interventions on water systems. It is necessary to use software and create new training programs with local stakeholders to increase water security to satisfy the expanding need for capacity in the water industry. Software for data analysis for hydrological components can be utilized for adequate forecasting and planning of water projects. It was concluded that with a comprehensive understanding of the hydrological cycle and its interdependencies, these tools and software offer crucial benefits for the sustainable management of water resources.

Keywords: water governance, capacity building, soil water assessment tool, hydrological software, geospatial data abstraction library