Behailu BirhanuMerga Leta2025-08-182025-08-182024-05https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7017In the present day context of Ethiopia, groundwater is the most economically feasible fresh water supply source used for public water supply, irrigation, and industrial purposes. With the growing demand for water supply, and current limited sources to enable community get access to safe and reliable water supply service, it will be wise to assess how the climate change impacts this precious resources in the arid climatic zone of Southern Omo Basin. To see how climate change impacts on the groundwater resources of Southern Omo Basin, two important steps were employed. Statistical Downscaling of Global Circulation Model on to six local meteorological stations (SDSM) and groundwater recharge estimation using the predicted climate variables up to the end of 2050. The predicted climate variables along with the study area Land use, Soil and DEM data served as input into the ARC SWAT model for annual groundwater recharge estimation up to the year 2050. In the climate variables prediction, it is observed that the temperature and precipitation generally increased which in turn gave rise to increased estimation of annual groundwater recharge. From the SWAT model output, locations with better groundwater recharge rate from available precipitation are identified for use in the development of artificial groundwater recharge. This research work is of utmost importance as it sheds light on the future groundwater recharge conditions in an area that is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. One of the limitations of this work arises from the fact that the SWAT model was run using its own system simulated values due to the unavailability of certain climate variables, like relative humidity, wind speed, and sunshine hours at the local meteorological stations. Given its strategic location for border markets, tourism, and high-potential agro-investment opportunities, the study area is highly likely to be transformed into a bustling development corridor. Consequently, it becomes imperative to conduct additional research to comprehend the underlying reasons behind groundwater salinity and its pervasive spread, in order to devise effective mitigation measures.en-USClimate Change ImpactsSDSMGroundwater RechargeSusceptibleThesis