[Objective] To explore the effects of human activities on the hydrological processes in order to provide a certain basis for decision-making regarding ecological protection and sustainable development in Ganjiang River headwaters region.[Methods] SWAT (soil and water assessment tool) model was used to simulate the runoff and sediment in Taojiang basin during 1981-2013 based on the land use data of 1980, 2000 and 2015. And the effect of land use change on soil erosion was analyzed. The effects of sediment retention on Julongtan water conservancy project were analyzed quantitatively.[Results] ① Monthly runoff and sediment obtained from SWAT model were agreed with the observed data in Taojang basin, with Ens was 0.92 and 0.8, respectively. ② Land use variations during 1980-2013 showed little effects on the runoff and sediment output in Taojiang basin. ③ Soil erosion in Taojiang basin was mainly light ersion. Soil erosion modulus in meadow was the maximum, and the sediment yield in woodland was the maximum. ④ The Julongtan water conservancy project effectively intercepted sediment Taojiang basin. It was estimated that about 7.78×10⁶ t sediment was retained druing 2007-2013, accounted for 77.5% of the total amount of sediment transported into the Taojiang basin.[Conclusion] Land use change is not the main reason that causes runoff and sediment change in Taojiang basin. In contrast, the construction of Julongtan water conservancy project shows a significant effect on the variation of sediment in Taojiang basin.