Predicting sediment yield and locating hotspot areas in the Hamesa watershed of Ethiopia for effective watershed management

Locating hotspots and assessing sediment accumulation are crucial aspects of water body management. The primary aim of this study was to examine sediment yield in the Hamesa watershed utilizing the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and to propose best management practices. The basin was divided into 15 sub-basins, with 103 hydrological response units at the outlet of the Hamesa watershed. Simulation was conducted using meteorological and spatial data. Monthly streamflow and sediment data were calibrated for the period from 2000 to 2010 and validated for the period from 2011 to 2015 using the SWAT Uncertainty Calibration Program Sequential Uncertainty Fit (SUFI-2). Model performance was assessed using metrics including the coefficient of determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency, observation standard deviation ratio, and percentage bias, which demonstrated very good results in both calibration and validation periods. The average annual sediment production in the Hamesa watershed was estimated at 9,800 t/year. Nine out of 50 affected sub-basins were categorized as producing moderate to very high sediment content (4.54–12.82 t/ha/year) and were chosen for sediment reduction scenarios. This study will play a significant role in managing impacted watersheds affected by soil erosion.