Geospatial analysis of irrigation suitability in Nigeria using remote sensing and GIS

Emmanuel Menegbo

doi:10.53030/tjags.1937471

Geospatial analysis of irrigation suitability in Nigeria using remote sensing and GIS

Abstract

This research offers a comprehensive geospatial evaluation of land suitability for irrigation across Nigeria. It leverages 2020 Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data, processed within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud-based computational environment. Given growing concerns about food security and climate variability, ascertaining areas amenable to irrigation is paramount for fostering sustainable agricultural development within Nigeria. This investigation integrated multi-temporal remote sensing observations, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), and Normalized Difference Water Index - NDWI, to construct an Irrigation Suitability Index (ISI). These datasets underwent analysis at a 500-meter spatial resolution, encompassing the entirety of the nation. Weighted overlay analysis, performed within the GEE environment, generated a nationwide map delineating irrigation potential across five distinct categories: Very Low, Low, Moderate, High, and Very High suitability. The findings reveal suitability scores ranging from a minimum of 0.11 (very low) to a maximum of 1 (very high). Specifically, northern Nigerian states such as Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, and Borno demonstrated high to very high suitability. In contrast, southern states, including Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, and Delta, were characterized by very low suitability. The study underscores significant geographical disparities, particularly in arid northern regions which experience greater constraints due to lower precipitation and elevated evapotranspiration. These findings offer actionable directives for agricultural planners, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to enhance irrigation capacity and strengthen food security resilience amidst evolving climatic conditions.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

In the study, the author declares that there is no violation of research and publication ethics.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Geomatic Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Emmanuel Menegbo ^*
0000-0002-6694-3226
Nigeria

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

April 25, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 23, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.53030/tjags.1937471

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA33BK76DR

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Menegbo, E. (2026). Geospatial analysis of irrigation suitability in Nigeria using remote sensing and GIS. Turkish Journal of Applied Geoinformation Sciences, 8(2), 142-154. https://doi.org/10.53030/tjags.1937471

AMA

1.Menegbo E. Geospatial analysis of irrigation suitability in Nigeria using remote sensing and GIS. Turk. J. Appl. Geoinf. Sci. 2026;8(2):142-154. doi:10.53030/tjags.1937471

Chicago

Menegbo, Emmanuel. 2026. “Geospatial Analysis of Irrigation Suitability in Nigeria Using Remote Sensing and GIS”. Turkish Journal of Applied Geoinformation Sciences 8 (2): 142-54. https://doi.org/10.53030/tjags.1937471.

EndNote

Menegbo E (September 1, 2026) Geospatial analysis of irrigation suitability in Nigeria using remote sensing and GIS. Turkish Journal of Applied Geoinformation Sciences 8 2 142–154.

IEEE

[1]E. Menegbo, “Geospatial analysis of irrigation suitability in Nigeria using remote sensing and GIS”, Turk. J. Appl. Geoinf. Sci., vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 142–154, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.53030/tjags.1937471.

ISNAD

Menegbo, Emmanuel. “Geospatial Analysis of Irrigation Suitability in Nigeria Using Remote Sensing and GIS”. Turkish Journal of Applied Geoinformation Sciences 8/2 (September 1, 2026): 142-154. https://doi.org/10.53030/tjags.1937471.

JAMA

1.Menegbo E. Geospatial analysis of irrigation suitability in Nigeria using remote sensing and GIS. Turk. J. Appl. Geoinf. Sci. 2026;8:142–154.

MLA

Menegbo, Emmanuel. “Geospatial Analysis of Irrigation Suitability in Nigeria Using Remote Sensing and GIS”. Turkish Journal of Applied Geoinformation Sciences, vol. 8, no. 2, Sept. 2026, pp. 142-54, doi:10.53030/tjags.1937471.

Vancouver

1.Emmanuel Menegbo. Geospatial analysis of irrigation suitability in Nigeria using remote sensing and GIS. Turk. J. Appl. Geoinf. Sci. 2026 Sep. 1;8(2):142-54. doi:10.53030/tjags.1937471