Identification, Characterization and Mapping of Potential Irrigable Areas in Ziway Micro Watershed

Abstract

Irrigation land suitability assessment and mapping for irrigation purpose is important to utilize the land resources efficiently. This study was initiated to assess, evaluate and develop map of the land resources which is potentially suitable for surface irrigation in ziway micro watershed by using Geographic Information System (GIS). The evaluation of land in terms of the suitability classes was based FAO guideline for land evaluation. Multi-criteria decision evaluation method and suitability factors were used such as, soil data, slope, land use/cover for evaluate the physical land characteristics of the study area of surface irrigation and suitability map was developed. After evaluating the physical land capability for surface irrigation, irrigation suitability map was developed. The weighted overlay analysis gave 70.1 and 13.3% of the study area is lies in the range of very high suitable to marginally suitable for irrigation. Thus, the overall suitability shows that potentially irrigable land suitable for surface irrigation is about 83.4% of the area. Therefore, based on results, farmers, decision makers, investors, planners and policymakers at the local, regional and national levels and the government should invest in those suitable areas for irrigation.