Agricultural Land Suitability Analysis Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques: The Case of Mecha Woreda, Amhara, Ethiopia
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Date
2024-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Agricultural land suitability study plays a vital role in determining forthcoming agricultural cropping patterns, as well as in the formulation of plans and activities related to agriculture. The assessment of land suitability is a critical endeavor that involves the evaluation of a specific area to ascertain its appropriateness and suitability for a particular use within a given locale. This process encompasses a comprehensive analysis that takes into consideration a multitude of factors, including soil characteristics, climate conditions, topographical features, and the availability of water resources. This analysis on land suitability employs a multi-criteria analytical approach in order to determine the most appropriate land for rain-fed purposes. The results of this analysis demonstrate that a considerable proportion of the region being examined exhibits a high level of suitability for agricultural activities. Approximately 20.92% of the region can be designated as significantly suitable for agricultural practices, and an additional 33.03% can be described as highly suitable. These statistics reveal that around 54% of the entire area possesses a substantial capacity for prosperous farming endeavors. According to the research's discoveries, a substantial segment of the evaluated territory is either highly suitable or very high suitable for irrigation, with a combined total of 82.66%.However, there are also notable areas that are only moderately or low suitable (13.96% combined), while a smaller proportion is not suitable (3.38%) for irrigation purposes In conclusion, the results suggest that a significant proportion of the region being examined exhibits a considerable level of suitability, ranging from high to extremely high, for agricultural purposes.
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Keywords
Agricultural land use suitability, GIS, Weighted Overly Analysis, surface irrigation