Application of GIS and remotely sensed data in assessing the potential for dam site zonation :

Abstract

Water scarcity coupled with food insecurity has been a major problem all over developing countries including Uganda; this is especially in rural areas where the citizenry is solely dependent on open water sources and rain-fed agriculture. This situation has been worsening with a constant negative change of climatic conditions. Dam site selection is a crucial task in the planning and development of water resource projects. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as valuable tools for evaluating potential dam sites by incorporating various spatial data layers and analysis techniques. This paper reviewed various case studies and methodologies employed in dam site selection using GIS. It discussed the key factors considered during the site selection process, including water availability, geological stability, environmental impacts, and socioeconomic considerations. Additionally, it explored the challenges and limitations associated with GISbased dam site selection, such as data availability, accuracy, and the need for expert knowledge in interpretation and analysis. Chapter one included the background of the research, the problem statement, objectives, justification and scope of the project research. Chapter two included the brief overview of dam development in Africa, Uganda in particular, the description of GIS and MCDA for land suitability analysis, as well as the Analytical Hierarchy Process. Chapter three included the tools and the methods, and/ or activities used to generate the suitability model. The final output of this project was land suitability maps for dam sites. According to the study, 44% of Greater Soroti was highly suitable for dam site location, 41% was moderately suitable and the rest 14% was completely not Suitable for dam site location. Chapter four included the methods used to validate the generated suitability model by actual findings on the ground, and experimental analysis. The findings of this research should therefore be considered by several stakeholders in order to increase water accessibility in Greater Soroti, Uganda and East Africa at large.