Dear Authors,

Two referees have evaluated the paper “hess-2018-170: Multi-site calibration and validation of SWAT with satellite-based evapotranspiration in a data sparse catchment in southwestern Nigeria”. Both referees mentioned that the topic is of international interest, but both referees had made very important and fundamental critics concerning the lack of significant references in the literature review, the need to clarify and discuss the originality and the novelty of the work, the need to present clearly all processes used in the model, the need to justify the evaluation procedure and the validation data used, the use of additional variables for model validation (e.g. runoff measure), the need for additional metrics for model evaluation (stressed vs unstressed periods), and the need to present clearly the equations and variables. The Authors gave convincing responses to the main Referees’ comments.

Both referees recommend major revision of the paper. The paper will be reconsidered after “Major revisions”. In the revised version, authors are invited to respond point by point to each comment of each referee, giving convincing proofs to all questions raised by referees. Please highlight clearly what you changed in the revised manuscript, so the referees are able to assess your changes.

With kind regards,

Roger Moussa

Dear Authors,

Both reviewers gave positive evaluation of the revised version. Referee #1 asked for technical corrections and Referee #2 asked for minor revisions.

The paper will be considered for publication subject to minor revisons. Please submit a revised version of the manuscript taking into account all remarks of both reviewers, and indicate clearly the responses to all points raised by reviewers.

Kind regards,

Roger Moussa

Dear Authors,

The revised version of the paper takes into account the reviewers' comments, and can be now published.

Thank you for considering publication in Hydrology and Earth System Sciences.

Kind regards,

Roger Moussa