Geospatial-based analysis for soil erosion susceptibility evaluation : application of a hybrid decision model

DATA AVAILABILITY : Data will be made available on request.Erosion hazard is a major environmental change in developing countries and therefore necessitates investigations for effective erosion control measures. This study is hinged on the numerous advantages of a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Model (MCDM) to assess erosion vulnerability using remote-sensed data and the application of Geographical Information System (GIS). Nine risk factors of erosion were selected for this study and their thematic maps were utilized to produce a spatial distribution of erosion hazard in the state. An integrated IVFRN–DEMATEL–ANP model was used to investigate the interrelationships between the risk factors and also obtain their final weights. The assessment model identified Rainfall, Erosivity Index, Stream Power Index, Sediment Transport Index, Topographic Wetness Index, and Soil as the most influential factors of erosion in the study area. The weighted linear combination method was used to integrate the risk factors to produce the spatial distribution of erosion vulnerability model. The method was validated using Anambra State of Nigeria. The findings from the study revealed that Anambra State is vulnerable to erosion hazard with 45% of the state lying between Very High and Medium vulnerable zones. A good predictive model performance of 89.7% was obtained using the AUC-ROC method. The feasibility of integrating the IVFRN, DEMATEL, and ANP models as an assessment model for mapping erosion vulnerability has been determined in this study, and this is vital in managing the impact of erosion hazards globally. The model’s identification of hydrological and topographical factors as major causes of erosion hazard emphasizes the importance of critical analysis of risk factors as done in this study for effective management of erosion. This study is a veritable tool for implementation of erosion mitigation measures.https://link.springer.com/journal/40808hj2023Future Afric

GIS hotspot Application and Use of Set-Cover Problem For Centralized Abattoir Biogas Plant Treatment Facilities In Anambra State of Nigeria

Anambra state is faced with high population explosion and consequently high production of abattoir wastes in major abattoir centres in the state. There is need for strategic waste management in allocation of  bio-energy plants to digest these wastes. ArGIS software was used to perform hotspot Analysis to delineate clusters of abattoir potential features with values significantly higher or lower than the overall study area mean or average value. In addition, the set covering location model was used to determine the number of bio-energy treatment plant facilities that should be constructed in the study area and where they should be located. The result of the study indicated that eight abattoirs were classified as hotspot zones/locations (L), and consequently used in the set covering location modelling. The set covering location model indicates that a minimum of two bio-energy plant should be constructed in Obosi (L1) and Umunya (L8) of the study area. The outcome of the study would be useful in harnessing abattoir wastes generated in the study area