1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Land suitability analysis is an interdisciplinary approach by including the information from different sources like soil science, crop science, meteorology, social science, economics and management and is a necessary of an incorporation of expert knowledge at various levels of decision making. For conducting these issues, geographical information systems (GIS) can be useful because it is the tool for input, storage and retrieval, manipulation and analysis, and output of spatial data (Marble et al., 1984). GIS performs numerous tasks utilizing both spatial and attribute data stored from different data sources in the land suitability analysis. This is a useful and new tool and trend in the land suitability assessment for poor countries.
Land is an example of a natural resource which, when properly managed, can be used again (renewable), but of which the total quantity is limited in relation to the demand for it (FAO, 1990). Land can be used for different purposes, of which food production is just one example. And as land can be used in different ways, it is important to select that way which is most studied for a particular piece of land and which best serves the interests of those concerned and involved, or at least to avoid unsuitable uses. Different land uses are often in competition with each other, furthermore the population of an area consists of different groups and individuals, each with their own interests, consequently, there are bound to be conflicts over the use of land (FAO, 1990)
In recently years, rapidly increasing populations in developing countries have greatly increased the demand for food and fuel (FAO, 1986) from agricultural. Fresco et al., (1992) predicted that after 2000, population increases and income growth will increase the demand for food and other agricultural products by over 3% annually. Currently in Nigeria, the amount of land suitable for agricultural production is limited. The land area currently in agricultural production is 9,345,000 hectares, accounting for about 28.38% of the total natural area. According to research and surveys on land (Nguyen, 2002), Nigeria has a potential for about 10,000,000 hectares of agricultural land. Thus, up till now, the area of agricultural land in Nigeria has almost been fully exploited, with an average of 1224m2/capita (Nguyen, 2002) and at the lowest levels in land area per capita when comparing with many countries in the World (Vu, 1995). The population of Nigeria is increasing rapidly with approximately 84 million people in 2006 and it is predicted that the population will increase to 100 million by the year 2020 (VNGSO, 2005). In addition to this, the loss of cultivated land to urbanisation and infrastructure development are becoming important issues to society of Nigeria. There are many examples of poor land utilization due to the lack of proper knowledge of land and ecological, social-economic conditions regarding land use. The use of extensive cultivation techniques cannot produce enough food for needs of an increasing population. There is a need to change from extensive to intensive cultivation to increase agricultural production. One of ways for meeting the food demands of current population is by increasing the yield and production per land unit (VNMoNRE, 1999, 2004).
1.2 Statement of Problem
A challenge facing central Nigeria is how to meet the rising food demand and boost rural income and thereby improve their quality of life. With such challenges, it is necessary to strictly protect agricultural land in order to reduce the negative impacts and risks of trade liberalization by adjusting crop structures, choosing appropriate plants within the different ecological zones, increasing agricultural production intensity, and expanding agricultural markets. Each commune should have selection of suitable crops for each soil type thereby increasing the effectiveness of agriculture development programs. Theoretically this will boost inhabitants' income, prevent erosion and degradation, and protect living environment and social sustainability.
There have been many studies on soil and land management in hilly region of central Nigeria. However, most of the research focuses on investigating and establishing the agricultural soil map (Truong et al., 2003);
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to evaluate the land suitability of High value crops such as; Cucumber, pepper, plantain, fluted, and pumpkin. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were considered;
- To evaluate the land suitability procedure for high value crops
- To investigate the climate of the area of land suitability
- To determine the soil characteristics of high value crops
- To determine the fertility of Oil Palm Production in suitable land in Akwa Ibom
- To determine the fertility of plantain Production in suitable land in Akwa Ibom
1.4 Research Questions
The following are the research questions of the a detailed survey and land suitability evaluation for selected high value crops such as; Cucumber, pepper, plantain, fluted, and pumpkin in Akwa Ibom State;
- What are limitations the soils, climates, geographical, social economic and infrastructural conditions for fruit crops of the study area?
- What are the promising fruit crops for economic, environmental and social targets in the study area?
- How is the role of land information system (LIS) digital maps in the land suitability evaluation?
- What are the selected criteria and results for multi-criteria land suitability evaluation for fruit crops in study area?
- Is the integrating of GIS and AHP to multi-criteria land suitability evaluation expecting the promising results?
1.5 Scope of Study
This study focuses on the detailed survey and land suitability evaluation for selected high value crops such as; Cucumber, pepper, plantain, fluted, and pumpkin in Akwa Ibom State, which covers the land suitability procedure for high value crops, climate of the area of land suitability, soil characteristics of high value crops, and the soil fertility Abak L.G.A. Land.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
1.7 Justification of Study
The following are the relevance of land suitability evaluation for selected high value crops such as; Cucumber, pepper, plantain, fluted, and pumpkin;
- The study of land suitability is relevant in planning and managing sustainable land user
- The study of land suitability assessment can inform decisions on land uses suitable for maximizing crop yield while making best use, but not impairing the ability of natural resources such as soil to support growth.
Beside, this study will serve as a reference material to subsequent researchers.
