APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) TO MANAGE LAND RESOURCES IN SWAZILAND

Abstract

A study was undertaken to evaluate the present and potential application of the Geographical Information System (GIS) in Swaziland to manage land resources. This was done by interviewing key persons in the different institutions in the country and assessing the facilities (hardware, software and personnel). The results showed that 16 institutions out of the 24, which responded, were using GIS Technology, with the other 8 institutions interested in using the technology. The general areas for application of the technology were land suitability mapping, mapping of crop yield, monitoring of crop diseases, mapping of distribution and location of homesteads, schools and clinics, rainfall estimation and cloud cover, and mapping of electricity grid network. Different software were being used with ArcView being the predominant one. The lack of trained personnel was perceived as the main constraint in utilising the GIS technology. A number of recommendations were made including the need for provision of training opportunities in GIS and the need for harmonising GIS software in use.


(UNISWA J Agric: 2000 9: 41-47)