Morphometric analysis and prioritization of upper Benue River watershed, Northern Nigeria

Abstract The upper Benue River watershed is undergoing remarkable modifications due to man-made and natural phenomena. Hence, an evaluation required understand the hydrological process of for planning management strategies. This study aimed assess morphometric characteristics prioritize watershed. boundary sub-watersheds, as well stream networks, was extracted from digital elevation model (DEM) coupled with topographic maps. Twenty-eight parameters under three categories, i.e. linear, areal, relief aspects were computed mapped. Findings revealed that a seventh order system characterized by dendritic drainage pattern. result also showed 4821 streams cumulative length 30,232.84 km. hypsometric integral estimated be 0.22, indicating it in old stage. In prioritization watershed, variables utilized calculate classify compound factor. sub-watersheds 12, 16, 18, 24, 26, 27 ranked very high priority which conservation measures are mitigate risk flood erosion. outcome this can used decision-makers sustainable planning.