Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) application to land suitability classification for irrigation farming in Argungu Fadama, Kebbi state of Nigeria

This study assessed the land suitability classification for irrigation farming in Argungu Fadama using GIS technique. The factors used to evaluate land suitability in the study area are soil, slope and land cover. Based on these factors considered, it was found out that Argungu Fadama is highly suitable for irrigation farming as the slope is less than 2% in accordance with FAO guidelines 1976 throughout. This serve as indication that surface irrigation can thrive in the study area. The soil properties evaluated in the study area indicates that no major threat to crop production as such the entire 1,000 ha of the study area was found to be suitable for irrigation and can support the cultivation of crops other than rice such as wheat, tomato, pepper, onions cowpea and tobacco. One of the recommendations is that policy decision making for development of irrigation activities in the study area. that future researches should include water quality, economic and social factors.