Prioritization of areas for irrigation in the central-west region of the Tocantins-Araguaia Basin, Brazil: a multicriteria approach

Abstract

This article aimed to identify most suitable areas for the implementation of irrigation systems in the Midwest portion of the Tocantins-Araguaia Basin, through the application of Multicriteria Analysis, based on the socioeconomic indicators of the 178 municipalities that make up this region. Methodologically, based on bibliographic and documentary research, socioeconomic indicators, were selected, in a range that would allow an economic, demographic, social and environmental characterization of the basin and, at the same time, delimit areas suitable for projects of irrigation, through interviews with experts of the field of irrigation and multi-criteria analysis. The results showed that the basin has 29.2% of its area restricted to the implementation of irrigation systems; on the other hand, more than 70% of the basin area had high and very high suitability class. It is concluded that the multicriteria analysis method was satisfactory for this study, facilitating decision-making, in line with the objectives of the National Irrigation Policy, that aim to promote local and regional development, with priority for regions with low indicators social and economic.