Multi-criteria analysis of different land-use activities on groundwater resources in Maiduguri, Borno State

Abstract

Land use and their related anthropogenic activities are likely to continue to impact shallow groundwater quality at different scales. Multi-criteria analysis (MCA) is a framework for evaluating decision options against multiple criteria. This study employed the Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) methodology in ranking the different land-use activities based on their adverse effects on groundwater quality. In this respect, the strategic stakeholders engaged in this study were allowed to prioritise these activities based on the magnitude of their negative effect on the groundwater resources of the study area. The stakeholders' ranking shows that the residential area is the principal activity (44.7%) that has an impact on groundwater resources in Maiduguri. This is followed by agricultural land and forested areas with negative impacts in the range of 9% and 2.18%, respectively. Geographic Information System data was obtained from secondary data sources to show the impact of different land uses in the study area This study will be helpful to policymakers and decision-makers in adopting mitigation strategies that will provide solutions to the negative effects of groundwater contamination in Borno State.