Geospatial Multi-Criteria Approach for Ranking Suitable Shallow Aquifers for the Implementation of an On-Farm Solar-PV Desalination System for Sustainable Agriculture

The main purpose of this study was to assess and rank suitable shallow aquifers for the implementation a solar-PV desalination system (SmaIrriCube) in small-scale farms arid semi-arid Mediterranean regions, such as Tunisia. A GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA-GIS) model developed. SMART method applied evaluate relative importance criteria Weighted Sum Model used generate suitability map, line with technology efficiency (SmaIrriCubeEff) farmer acceptability (SmaIrriCubeAcc). overall results showed that 188 out 204 Tunisian are potentially viable implementing SmaIrriCube system. For SmaIrriCubeEff, central southern were found be most suitable, Suitability index (Si) exceeding 0.5, mostly due high solar irradiation evaporation rate. In terms acceptability, preferable, Si higher than 0.56, irradiation, rate groundwater quantity quality. also indicated removal photovoltaic modules significantly affected aquifer ranking, being sensitive these criteria. GIS-MCDA approach proven practical, upgradable time/cost-efficient solution decision-making, which can extended other technologies and/or regions similar climatic characteristics.