Evaluation of surface irrigation potential areas using geospatial techniques: the case of the Nashe watershed, western Ethiopia

ABSTRACT One of the key strategies for addressing the first and second sustainable development Goals (zero hunger and poverty) defined by the UN as being accomplished by 2030 is surface irrigation. This study aimed to determine potentially suitable areas for surface irrigation in the Nashe watershed by integrating geospatial techniques with the analytical hierarchy process method. The study used eight factors, including land use/land cover, soil type, soil depth, soil texture, soil drainage, slope, and distance from rivers and roads in the study area. Unlike conventional studies, this research leverages high-resolution geospatial data and employs a multifactorial assessment to improve the accuracy of irrigation suitability classification. The findings indicated that 18.9% is highly suitable for irrigation, whereas 12.2% is unsuitable. The moderately suitable area for irrigation accounted for a substantial amount 68.8% of the study area. The novelty of this study lies in its integration of GIS-based modeling with validation techniques, as the model's accuracy was assessed by superimposing the study area's preexisting irrigation plan, which predominantly falls within the highly and moderately suitable categories. This approach provides a reliable decision-support tool for policymakers and farmers, enhancing sustainable water resource management and agricultural planning in Ethiopia.