Ernest KIPLANGAT RONOH

Ernest KIPLANGAT RONOH

Ernest Kiplangat Ronoh holds a background in Agricultural Biosystems, specializing in Soil and Water Management. Currently employed as a Forest Hydrologist at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), he joined the Hydrology Engineering Group in 2023 as a Ph.D. researcher under the guidance of Prof. Ann van Griensven. His research is centered on investigating catchment-scale water, sediment, carbon, and nutrient fluxes within a tropical river basin.

The scope of his research encompasses a combination of new data acquisition, compilation of existing data (both field and remote sensing), and modeling work. Ernest's primary objective is to quantify and comprehend water, sediment, carbon, and nutrient fluxes, particularly in relation to climate dynamics and changes in land use/cover.

Projects

PhD research

Engeneering Science

Date 2023 - 2027
Supervisors Ann VAN GRIENSVEN , Douglas NYOLEI , Stefaan Dondeyne
Funds VLIR-UOS

This research focuses on understanding the impacts of climate and land use/cover changes on catchment scale sediment transport, carbon and nutrient fluxes in the Kenyan equatorial streams. The streams face challenges of water scarcity, poor water quality, and unsustainable practices. The study aims to utilize a triangulated approach incorporating modeling, remote sensing and in situ data for comprehensive analysis. Key objectives include reviewing existing literature, assessing spatiotemporal land use changes, quantifying impacts, evaluating the effectiveness of the approach, and identifying sustainable land and water management practices. The study also addresses critical hypotheses regarding hydrological processes, soil degradation, water quality, and effectiveness of the integrated approach. The proposed research questions guide the study in providing vital insights for effective water quality management and sustainable resource utilization. The methodology encompasses data collection, analysis, modeling, and sensor deployment. The anticipated outcomes include a deep understanding of land use effects on hydrology and quality, a validation of the approach, and the proposal of sustainable practices for land and water management. This study significantly contributes to the sustainable development and conservation of the Yala River Basin, benefiting both the environment and the livelihoods of millions relying on its resources.