Application of GIS in assessment of irrigation potential based on surface water availability.

Abstract

Assessing available land and water resources for irrigation is important for planning their use. This study was initiated with the objective of assessing the water and land resources potential of Busitema Sub county for irrigation development and generating goo-referenced map of these resources by using Geographic Information System. Geospatial maps preparation, identification of potential irrigable land, and estimation of irrigation water requirement and surface water resources of Busitema Sub County were the steps followed to assess this irrigation potential. Results of Geospatial maps preparation led to identification of potential irrigable land, irrigation suitability factors such as soil type, slope, land cover/use, and distance from water supply (source) were taken into account. The irrigation suitability analysis of these factors indicate that 63.6% of the soil and 97.2% of the slope in the study area are in the range of highly suitable to suitable for sprinkler irrigation system. In terms of land cover/use, 69.1 % of land cover/use is highly suitable where as 7.9% is restricted from irrigation development. Weighted overlay analysis of these factors (land, slope, land cover) gave potential of 86.8% of the area in the range of highly suitable to suitable for sprinkler irrigation system. Finally, when Euclidean distance was considered an area of 50.3km2 was obtained in the range of highly suitable to suitable for sprinkler irrigation system.