Geospatial information system land evaluation analysis for rainfed farming using multi-criteria decision analysis approach

Abstract

This paper aims to develop a geospatial information system based land evaluation method for rainfed farming. To produce geospatial information of potential areas for sorghum using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach. The land suitability is based on the biophysical and soil factors. The analysis aimed at the production of geospatial information displayed in maps and a graph showing potential areas that are suitable for rainfed farming. A fuzzy modeling decision analysis tool integrated with map algebra expression ADD (+) Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis operation was used to combine the information from several criteria to form a single suitability map. The results showed the land parcels that are suitable, marginal suitable and non-suitable for sorghum. The suitability map was overlaid with the existing land use to identify areas that are plowed for sorghum that are on suitable areas.