Evaluation of the Drought Situation Using Remote Sensing Technology, an Applied Study on a Part of North Wasit Governorate in Iraq

Drought presents a substantial threat to both ecological and agricultural systems. Agriculture in Iraq is predicated on precipitation, which is a major contributor to the likelihood of drought resulting from even marginal fluctuations in precipitation. Furthermore, research suggests that Iraq suffers an approximate annual loss of 100,000 acres of arable land due to drought. NDVI and VCI, two significant indices, were utilized in this research to assess and monitor the severity of the drought in the northern region of Wasit province in Iraq. For the period from 1993 to 2023, drought intensity maps were generated utilizing NDVI-based VCI and the Geographic Information System (GIS), an extremely effective spatial data management instrument. NDVI results evidenced that the vegetation cover area was the highest in 1993 and 1998 and declined until it reached the lowest levels in 2023. The vegetation area was concentrated in the southwest parts. In contrast, VCI results demonstrated the extreme drought through the years from 2003 to 2023, which can be attributed to higher temperatures, evaporation, and lower amounts of rainfall. Throughout the thirty-year analysis period, extreme drought conditions were prevalent, especially in the last two decades. Furthermore, this drought should prompt the government to implement preventative measures to avert it. Implementing soil and water conservation measures, such as the establishment of percolation basins, contour bunds, and check dams, can also enhance drought management.