Site suitability analysis of indigenous rainwater harvesting systems in arid and data-poor environments: a case study of Sana’a Basin, Yemen

Abstract Indigenous rainwater harvesting (RWH) is a promising tool for increasing water availability and conserving groundwater in arid environments. This study aimed to develop multicriteria analysis (MCA) framework identify rank suitable sites different indigenous RWH systems data-poor areas taking Sana’a Basin, Yemen, as case study. Unlike previous research, this focused only on and, the first time, considered site suitability of spate irrigation systems. Five biophysical six socioeconomic criteria were used select, prioritize, map zones study, be conducted found that more than 30% area has high or very level each studied Only 11% 17% not due activities. Twenty-four percent was moderately suitable, 28% had low RWH. These results are promising, preliminary identification process useful guide future resource land management programs. Graphical abstract