GIS-Based Multicriteria Analysis for Identifying Optimal Sites for Cassava Cultivation in Walungu, DRC

Abstract

According to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), over 27.3 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffer from acute food insecurity, with nearly seven million facing emergency hunger levels. Despite the country's immense agricultural potential, these figures highlight the challenges faced by the DRC in ensuring food security. Cassava, the staple food for about 70% of the population, holds great potential to combat hunger and improve agricultural productivity. This study aims to support ongoing efforts by developing a spatial decision-making tool for identifying optimal cassava cultivation sites in Walungu using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and multicriteria analysis (MCA). By incorporating key biophysical factors such as water availability, temperature, slope, and soil nutrients, the results provide a valuable framework for enhancing cassava production in the region. This tool can assist farmers and policymakers in making informed decisions to address food insecurity in the DRC.