Land suitability analysis for sorghum crop production in northern semi-arid Ethiopia: Application of GIS-based fuzzy AHP approach

Abstract

The mismatch between the actual requirements and what is actually implemented in a given land could be avoided through land suitability evaluation through its contribution in identifying the inherent land potentials and constraints. This study aims to assess suitability for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) crop by integrating geographic information system (GIS), fuzzy set models and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methods. Soil, climate and topographic characteristics were considered in the study. As evidenced from the model output, 29,534 ha (30.54%), 34,984.74 ha (36.17%), 17,455 ha (18.05%), 14,744.61 ha (15.24%) of the area is moderately suitable, marginally suitable, currently not suitable and permanently not suitable for sorghum crop production respectively. Slope gradient, altitude, temperature, length of growing period, available water capacity, mean weight diameter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and soil organic carbon contents were found the main limiting factors constraining cultivation of that crop in the area. Organic and inorganic fertilizer application, tillage and soil and water management activities are needed to boost the productivity of the area.

Keywords

• suitability class
• sorghum
• geographic information system
• multi-criteria decision-making
• analytical hierarchy process