Evaluation of land suitability areas for irrigation using GIS and AHP-based tools in the case of Zenti River Catchment, Gofa district, Ethiopia

Abstract

Land potential assessment has enormous use for smallholder farmers for the sustainable utilization of scarce physical land resources. The study area is faced with a significant lack of available studies on irrigation land suitability due to limited information regarding soil and land resources. This scarcity of data poses a significant challenge in effectively assessing the suitability of land for irrigation purposes. The study aimed to assess the land suitability for irrigation in the case of the Zenti River Catchment, Ethiopia. To achieve the objectives, soil properties, land use/cover, slope, and proximity to a perennial river were used. This was accomplished by using the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and GIS-based tools. Soil samples were collected and used as criteria for irrigation suitability analysis: soil salinity, soil reaction (pH), soil organic matter, soil cation exchange capacity, and soil moisture content. To evaluate the land suitability for irrigation potential, the weighted linear combination analysis of AHP and reclassified thematic layers were overlaid in the Arc GIS tool. The result showed that soil suitability and land slope factors shared higher weights of 40% and 30%, respectively. A large portion of the study area falls in a high (19%) to moderate (37%) irrigation potential zone. Decision-makers can utilize this information to plan and allocate resources for irrigation projects in the most suitable locations. Moreover, smallholder farmers can benefit from understanding, which areas are suitable for irrigation, allowing them to make informed decisions when selecting land for cultivation and adopting proper management.

Keywords:

• Irrigation potential
• land suitability
• ArcGIS
• AHP
• Zenti river catchment

Reviewing Editor:

• Marco Montemurro, Arts et Metiers ParisTech – Centre de Bordeaux-Talence, France

Subjects:

• Hydraulic Engineering
• Water Engineering
• Water Science

Acknowledgements

Authors would like to Arba Minch University Sawla Campus, Arba Minch University for their valuable assistances. All reference materials used in the researches are duly acknowledged.

Data availability statement

All data that support these findings are provided in the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

All reference and material used are acknowledged and cited well. Arba Minch University funded this study with funding code GOV/AMU/WRAM/CEAT/CE/62/14.

Additional information

Funding

Arba Minch University funded this study with funding code GOV/AMU/WRAM/CEAT/CE/62/14.

Notes on contributors

Diriba Worku

Diriba Worku is currently works at the department of Civil Engineering, Arba Minch University as a lecturer for more than three years. Diriba does research in ground water prospective mapping using and irrigation potential assessment using ArcGIS and AHP based tools. His research interests encompass, improving water resource management, assess the effects of climate change on water resource, sediment transport modeling in rivers and estuaries system, design and optimization of dam and reservoir systems, groundwater modeling, and others. In parallel with teaching and learning processes, he has been participating in different research works and community engagement activities.

Abuye Boja

Abuye Boja is currently pursuing a PhD at Yokohama National University, Japan. Prior to this, he served as a university lecturer for over four years at Arba Minch University. His research interests encompass soil stabilization, embankment construction, the application of geosynthetic materials in civil engineering structures, soil testing, pavement design, permeability, and seepage analysis, among others.

Adugna Fantu

Adugna Fantu is a lecturer and researcher, currently working at the department of civil Engineering, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. I received my MSc degree in 2020 at Arba Minch University. I conducted several researches at various areas like highway drainage, soil properties, construction materials, groundwater hydrology, mapping and irrigation potential assessment using ArcGIS and AHP-based tools. my research interests includes evaluation of highway drainage problems, capacity and performance evaluation, investigation of soil properties of rural high way, irrigation potential, ground water and other construction materials characterization and modeling. In addition to this I have been participating in different research and community service projects under university.