Mapping land suitability for maize (Zea mays L.) production using GIS and AHP technique in Zimbabwe

The study integrates geographic information system (GIS) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate land suitability for maize production in Zimbabwe using multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) process. Four thematic maps based on rainfall, temperate, soil type slope were integrated through overlay technique a GIS environment produce map. resultant map was overlaid with constraints ‘mask out’ all non-agricultural land. final shows that 3.20% of the total is highly suitable, 16.56% 25.34% moderately 32.33% marginally suitable 9.57% not its current form. classification validated by regression analyses measured grain yield 5 key varieties representing different maturity groups. Grain regressed against index (SI) each class. There significant positive correlations between classes (R2 = 0.63 - 0.85). Integrating AHP MCE effective assessing targeting location specific interventions result comprehensive Zimbabwe, incorporating several critical environmental factors affecting adaptation. We recommend use this as decision support tool planning policy making.