Deciphering prolific zones of groundwater using geospatial techniques and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Obbo and Magwi Payams, South Sudan

Abstract

Groundwater serve as a crucial resource for communities in Obbo and Magwi Payams, South Sudan, where water scarcity is exacerbated by the failure of numerous boreholes due to inadequate scientific exploration. This study aims to delineate potential zones of groundwater. In these regions by integrating geospatial techniques with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Six thematic: layers of rainfall, geology, slope, lineament density, drainage density, and land use/land cover were analysed within the GIS framework to produce a detailed potential map. The layers were weighted based on their influence on groundwater recharge, with rainfall weight (37 %) and land use/land cover the lowest (3 %). The resulting map categorizes 28 % of the study area as having very poor groundwater potential, 39 % as poor, 31 % as moderate and only 2 % as good. These findings highlight significant challenges in groundwater availability and provide a strategic framework for local authorities to improve borehole placement and optimize water resource management. The study recommends further field validation through electrical resistivity surveys in moderate and good potential zones to ascertain the accuracy of the geospatial analysis. The results offer vital insight for policymakers and stakeholders, promoting sustainable groundwater management in a region heavily reliant on this precious resource.