Title: Developing a GIS-based agro-land suitability map for the Faria agricultural catchment, Palestine

Authors: Sameer M. Shadeed; Atta M.E. Abboushi; Mohammad N. Almasri

Addresses: Water and Environmental Studies Institute, An-Najah National University, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine ' Water and Environmental Studies Institute, An-Najah National University, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine ' Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, An-Najah National University, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine

Abstract: This study utilises the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to develop an agro-land suitability map to optimally utilise the available land to achieve best agricultural production. Method applicability was demonstrated on the fertile Faria catchment (320 km²), located in the north-eastern part of the West Bank, Palestine. GIS was employed to combine spatial weighted factors for different criteria including topography, soil, landuse, accessibility, climate, water availability, and groundwater vulnerability. Results indicate that about 49% and 6% of the total area of Faria catchment are moderately and highly suitable for agricultural practices, respectively. Whereas marginally and unsuitable areas represent about 41% and 4%, respectively. Agricultural investment in such areas is not feasible and will negatively affect the sustainable agricultural practices in the catchment. The implementation of the obtained results is envisaged to support any governmental policy shifts towards wide spread adoption of sustainable agriculture in Palestine.

Keywords: Faria agricultural catchment; agro-land suitability maps; GIS; geographic information systems; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; groundwater vulnerability; sustainable agriculture; agricultural production; West Bank; Palestine; land use optimisation; topography; soil; accessibility; climate; water availability; government policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2017.083423

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2017 Vol.16 No.1/2/3, pp.190 - 204

Received: 06 Aug 2016
Accepted: 03 Sep 2016
Published online: 29 Mar 2017 *

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