Unlocking Northwest Nigeria's Agricultural Potential Using MCDA-Driven Mapping of Optimal Irrigation Zones for Smart Water and Food Security

Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to identify high-potential irrigation zones across Northwest Nigeria, incorporating critical spatial factors such as proximity to dams and rivers, elevation gradients, slope stability, soil suitability, and climate resilience. By systematically analyzing these variables, the study provides a data-driven framework to optimize water resource allocation, improve agricultural productivity, and support sustainable food security in the region.

The MCDA approach not only identifies viable irrigation sites but also aligns with precision agriculture and smart water management trends, offering policymakers and farmers a scalable, science-based strategy to combat water scarcity. This methodology helps bridge the gap between geospatial innovation and on-ground agricultural planning, ensuring that investments in irrigation infrastructure are both efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Ultimately, these findings empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, transforming Northwest Nigeria’s arid and semi-arid landscapes into productive farmland. By prioritizing data-integrated solutions, this research contributes to long-term food security, climate adaptation, and economic resilience—key pillars of Nigeria’s agricultural modernization agenda.