Agroclimatic zonation of Tigray region of Ethiopia based on aridity index and traditional agro-climatic zones

H Haftom H Haftom,A Haftu A Haftu,K Goitom K Goitom,H Meseret H Meseret

doi:10.54386/jam.v21i2.229

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the agroclimatic zones of Tigray region based on aridity index and traditional agroclimatic zone using 37-year (1981-2017) spatial climate data downloaded for Tigray region from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) for rainfall and from Enhancing National Climate Services (ENACTS) data for temperature. Arc map 10.3 was used for mapping of all climatic variables and zonation of agro-climatic zones. Potential evapotranspiration (PET) was computed based on Hargreaves formula and the aridity index was computed. Besides, the digital elevation model was downloaded from ASTER data. The aridity map of Tigray divided into three index zones (0.03-0.2, 0.2–0.5 and 0.5–0.65) and five traditional agro-climate zones (<1500,1500-2000,2000- 2500, 2500-3000, >3000 m.a.s.l.) were overlaid, which divided entire region of Tigray into fifteen agroclimatic zones. Hot semi-arid, warm semi-arid, tepid semi-arid and hot arid were the dominant zones in the region.

Highlights

Climate is one of the main elements that determine the suitability of an area for crop growing and its potential for agricultural production
The aridity index values were commonly higher in areas characterized by high Potential evapotranspiration (PET) and low rainfall
Most part of the region is covered by semiarid climate (81.46%) followed by arid (16.91%) and dry Agroclimatic zonation of Tigray region of Ethiopia

Summary

Introduction

Climate is one of the main elements that determine the suitability of an area for crop growing and its potential for agricultural production. Previous agroclimatic classification like Köppen climate classification andthe Ethiopian traditional climate classification were less detail Their main limitation is that they heavily depend on temperature for the climatic classification. Combining the traditional zones with aridity index will improve the agro-climatic classification system because this approach takes rainfall, temperature and potential evapotranspiration into account. Proper agro-climatic classification will help to interpret existing cropping pattern, as well as suggest new cropping patterns (Bisht et al 2013). It could help policy makers, investors and agriculturists to work on crop suitability mapping and to plan for short term and long-term development strategies. An attempt has been made for Tigray region of Ethiopia

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion