Land suitability and crop water requirements for irrigated sugar cane in the Kuraz irrigation scheme, lower Omo basin, Ethiopia

The assessment of land suitability is the key to sustained agricultural output. This study evaluates the suitability of land for irrigated sugar cane cultivation and crop water requirements in the Kuraz Irrigation Scheme, Ethiopia. To accomplish this, the geographic information system–analytical hierarchy process (GIS–AHP) tool combination was employed to identify land suitability classes and aid in decision-making using various factors, such as soil pH, texture, temperature, rainfall, land use–land cover and slope. The AquaCrop model simulated the current and future scenarios for biomass, canopy cover, yield, maximum evapotranspiration and evapotranspiration water productivity for sugar cane crops. AquaCrop was calibrated for irrigated sugar cane in the 2015–2016 crop season, and the results showed that most of the study area is highly suitable for sugar cane cultivation. Highly suitable areas cover 28%, moderately suitable areas 38%, marginally suitable areas 21%, and unsuitable areas 13%. The findings indicate the potential for expanding sugar cane cultivation and increasing yields and profits. However, it is crucial to consider the potential environmental degradation caused by water usage and soil degradation resulting from agricultural expansion. Furthermore, the social implications of expanding sugar cane cultivation should also be considered, including labour practices and the possible displacement of local communities.