Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Model in Agro-climatic Zoning of Taraba State for Ofada Rice Production

Abstract

Ofada is one of the rice varieties cultivated in Nigeria whose demand is increasing at both local and international levels because of its unique test and nutrient content. Ban on importation of rice into the country and population increase is major factors that push the need to increase local production of the variety so as to meetup with the growing demand. In regards to this, this paper applied Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) model in Agro-Climatic Zoning of Taraba State for Ofada rice Production. Climatic variables (1979-2017), Rice Yield (OFADA Variety), Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Landsat 8 (OLI) and Soil Texture map were the data used. Stepwise regression analysis between rice yield and the climatic variables were analyzed in SPSS and Minitab. MCDM was used to produce the Agro-climatic zoning with the help of Arc GIS 10.2. Results of the stepwise regression revealed that mean temperature is the critical climatic elements for local rice variety and accounted for 43.1% of the variation in Local Rice yield in the State while, June Rainfall, Minimum Temperature and Solar Radiation are the critical climatic variables for Ofada variety and accounted for 64.0% of the variation in yield of the variety. Result of the Ofada rice suitability map showed an area of 38.14%, 40.08%, 20.99% and 0.80% for highly suitable, suitable, moderately suitable and not suitable area respectively for the variety. Cultivation of rice should be encouraged in Highly Suitable and Suitable zones of the State while, alternative crops other than rice are recommended for the not suitable area. Information on latest crop cultivation method should be explained to farmers so as to reduce crop yield failure. Finally, application of Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) a Remote Sensing and GIS tool should be employed in suitability zoning of other crops in the State.

Keywords: OFADA Rice Variety, MCDM, Agro-climatic, Landsat 8, DEM