Abstract
In agriculture, land use and land classification address questions such as "where", "why" and "when" a particular crop is grown within a particular agroecology. To date, there are several land suitability analysis (LSA) methods, but there is no consensus on the best method for crop suitability analysis. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate methodological strategies for LSA. Secondary to this, we assessed which of these would be suitable for neglected and underutilised crop species (NUS). The review classified LSA methods reported in articles as traditional (26.6%) and modern (63.4%). Modern approaches, including multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods such as analytical hierarchy process (AHP) (14.9%) and fuzzy methods (12.9%); crop simulation models (9.9%) and machine learning related methods (25.7%) are gaining popularity over traditional methods. The MCDM methods, namely AHP and fuzzy, are commonly applied to LSA while crop models and machine learning related methods are gaining popularity. A total of 67 parameters from climatic, hydrology, soil, socio-economic and landscape properties are essential in LSA. Unavailability and the inclusion of categorical datasets from social sources is a challenge. Using big data and Internet of Things (IoT) improves the accuracy and reliability of LSA methods. The review expects to provide researchers and decision-makers with the most robust methods and standard parameters required in developing LSA for NUS. Qualitative and quantitative approaches must be integrated into unique hybrid land evaluation systems to improve LSA.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe world’s population is projected to reach approximately 10.9 billion by 2021, and about two-thirds of the predicted growth in population between 2020 and 2050 will take place in Africa [1]
While these challenges may differ in extent and magnitude, they have been severe in marginal communities that rely on agriculture as a livelihood strategy, have iations
This review identifies parameters and common land suitability analysis (LSA) methods that can help researchers, practitioners and policymakers to develop guidelines on the successful crop suitability mapping process for improved crop productivity
Summary
Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe world’s population is projected to reach approximately 10.9 billion by 2021, and about two-thirds of the predicted growth in population between 2020 and 2050 will take place in Africa [1]. The population in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is growing at a rate of 2.7% a year and is expected to double by 2050 [2]. Farmers have a mandate to feed the growing population by sustainably increasing food production [3,4]. There has been a significant decrease in arable land due to the expansion of urban areas, the spread of invasive alien species into farmlands, changing land potentials for agriculture due to climate change, land degradation and desertification [5] While these challenges may differ in extent and magnitude, they have been severe in marginal communities that rely on agriculture as a livelihood strategy, have iations
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