Mapping of Potential Recharge Areas of Fractured Aquifers in the Departments of Yamoussoukro and Toumodi (Central Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Groundwater is an important natural resource for all human activity. Today, due to climate change and population growth, the demand has increased considerably, thus requiring their evaluation to ensure sustainability. However, one of the important but difficult to estimate parameters due to its variability is the recharge. This work aims to map the potential recharge of aquifers in the departments of Yamoussoukro and Toumodi. Saaty’s AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) multi-criteria analysis technique was used by integrating different thematic layers. First, a reclassification then weighting of these parameters was made according to their influence in the recharge process. Finally, they were integrated into a GIS to produce the map of potential groundwater recharge zones. The results indicate that the potential high recharge areas represent approximately 43.11% of the area of the study area. These areas appear scattered in the sub-prefecture of Yamoussoukro, Kokoumbo Attiegouakro, Toumodi et Kpouèbo.