Geospatial agro-climatic characterization for assessment of potential agricultural areas in Somalia, Africa.

Authors

  • Mark Kipkurwa Boitt Lecturer, Department of Geomatic Engineering and GIS, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Flomena C. Langat Mapinfotek Geomatiks Ltd
  • John K. Kapoi Mapinfotek Geomatiks Ltd

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17700/jai.2018.9.3.479

Abstract

Somalia nation has been in the past classified as a volatile and of low economic value since 1990s when the government was deemed to have collapsed. Currently the independent Somalia is turning out to be one economic back bone of the Northern and Eastern parts of Africa in trade and agriculture. This paper focuses on the agricultural potential of Somalia using geospatial techniques through characterization. Climate is characterized and described, terrain models are derived, Soil analysis and hydrological assessment are also analyzed. Agroclimatic maps are developed to show suitable and unsuitable areas for agricultural production. The terrain of Somalia is more of a flat plain coupled with river basins that can be used as arable lands for agriculture. The ground water points can sustainably irrigate large number of parcels for crop production. Through GIS technology adopted for this particular work, two basins were mapped out to be possible agricultural potential areas: Juba and Shabelle. The assessment indicates that crop production can be achieved through irrigating of the arable plains and not relying so much on rain-fed agricultural systems. Agro-climatic zones of Somalia are delineated mainly due the amount of rainfall, temperature ranges and terrain patterns. With this study, farmers can be advised on which area to focus for crop production. The agricultural potential that lies in Somalia is so huge it could be named the future food basket of Africa, who knows?

Author Biographies

Mark Kipkurwa Boitt, Lecturer, Department of Geomatic Engineering and GIS, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Department of Geomatic Engineering and GIS

Flomena C. Langat, Mapinfotek Geomatiks Ltd

Department of GIS and Remote Sensing, Box 23831-00100, Nairobi

John K. Kapoi, Mapinfotek Geomatiks Ltd

Department of Research and Development, Box 23831-00100, Nairobi

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Published

2018-12-30

How to Cite

Boitt, M. K., Langat, F. C., & Kapoi, J. K. (2018). Geospatial agro-climatic characterization for assessment of potential agricultural areas in Somalia, Africa. Journal of Agricultural Informatics, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.17700/jai.2018.9.3.479

Issue

Section

Journal of Agricultural Informatics