GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Mekonen Hunde Geletu

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12

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GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Mekonen Hunde Geletu^*

Published in International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences (Volume 11, Issue 1)

Received: 2 January 2026 Accepted: 14 January 2026 Published: 31 January 2026

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Abstract

This research investigates the physical land suitability for teff (Eragrostis tef) cultivation in Mieso District, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. Teff is a staple crop of major economic and food security importance in Ethiopia; however, its productivity is strongly influenced by variations in environmental and agro-ecological conditions. Therefore, identifying suitable land for teff cultivation is essential for sustainable agricultural planning and improved crop yields. The study integrates multiple biophysical factors that significantly affect teff growth, including soil type, altitude, slope, rainfall, and temperature. Spatial datasets were collected from satellite imagery, digital elevation models, soil databases, and meteorological records. These datasets were processed and analyzed using GIS tools. A multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, specifically a weighted overlay analysis, was applied to evaluate and classify land suitability based on the relative importance of each factor. The results indicate that areas characterized by gentle slopes, favorable elevations, nutrient-rich soils, and suitable climatic conditions exhibit high to moderate suitability for teff cultivation. In particular, regions receiving annual rainfall between 800 and 1200 mm and experiencing moderate temperatures were identified as the most suitable zones. Conversely, areas with steep slopes, poor soil conditions, or unfavorable climatic characteristics were classified as marginally suitable or unsuitable. The findings demonstrate a strong relationship between agro-ecological conditions and teff productivity in the study area. This research provides valuable spatial information that can support farmers, planners, and policymakers in optimizing land use decisions. Ultimately, the study contributes to enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable land management, and strengthening food security in the Mieso District and similar agro-ecological settings.

Published in	International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences (Volume 11, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12
Page(s)	13-21
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

GIS, Remote Sensing, Teff, Land Suitability Analysis, Multi-Criteria Decision Making

References

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Geletu, M. H. (2026). GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences, 11(1), 13-21. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12

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ACS Style

Geletu, M. H. GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. Int. J. Inf. Commun. Sci. 2026, 11(1), 13-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12

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AMA Style

Geletu MH. GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. Int J Inf Commun Sci. 2026;11(1):13-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12,
  author = {Mekonen Hunde Geletu},
  title = {GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia},
  journal = {International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {13-21},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijics.20261101.12},
  abstract = {This research investigates the physical land suitability for teff (Eragrostis tef) cultivation in Mieso District, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. Teff is a staple crop of major economic and food security importance in Ethiopia; however, its productivity is strongly influenced by variations in environmental and agro-ecological conditions. Therefore, identifying suitable land for teff cultivation is essential for sustainable agricultural planning and improved crop yields. The study integrates multiple biophysical factors that significantly affect teff growth, including soil type, altitude, slope, rainfall, and temperature. Spatial datasets were collected from satellite imagery, digital elevation models, soil databases, and meteorological records. These datasets were processed and analyzed using GIS tools. A multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, specifically a weighted overlay analysis, was applied to evaluate and classify land suitability based on the relative importance of each factor. The results indicate that areas characterized by gentle slopes, favorable elevations, nutrient-rich soils, and suitable climatic conditions exhibit high to moderate suitability for teff cultivation. In particular, regions receiving annual rainfall between 800 and 1200 mm and experiencing moderate temperatures were identified as the most suitable zones. Conversely, areas with steep slopes, poor soil conditions, or unfavorable climatic characteristics were classified as marginally suitable or unsuitable. The findings demonstrate a strong relationship between agro-ecological conditions and teff productivity in the study area. This research provides valuable spatial information that can support farmers, planners, and policymakers in optimizing land use decisions. Ultimately, the study contributes to enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable land management, and strengthening food security in the Mieso District and similar agro-ecological settings.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia
AU  - Mekonen Hunde Geletu
Y1  - 2026/01/31
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12
T2  - International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences
SP  - 13
EP  - 21
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1719
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12
AB  - This research investigates the physical land suitability for teff (Eragrostis tef) cultivation in Mieso District, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. Teff is a staple crop of major economic and food security importance in Ethiopia; however, its productivity is strongly influenced by variations in environmental and agro-ecological conditions. Therefore, identifying suitable land for teff cultivation is essential for sustainable agricultural planning and improved crop yields. The study integrates multiple biophysical factors that significantly affect teff growth, including soil type, altitude, slope, rainfall, and temperature. Spatial datasets were collected from satellite imagery, digital elevation models, soil databases, and meteorological records. These datasets were processed and analyzed using GIS tools. A multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, specifically a weighted overlay analysis, was applied to evaluate and classify land suitability based on the relative importance of each factor. The results indicate that areas characterized by gentle slopes, favorable elevations, nutrient-rich soils, and suitable climatic conditions exhibit high to moderate suitability for teff cultivation. In particular, regions receiving annual rainfall between 800 and 1200 mm and experiencing moderate temperatures were identified as the most suitable zones. Conversely, areas with steep slopes, poor soil conditions, or unfavorable climatic characteristics were classified as marginally suitable or unsuitable. The findings demonstrate a strong relationship between agro-ecological conditions and teff productivity in the study area. This research provides valuable spatial information that can support farmers, planners, and policymakers in optimizing land use decisions. Ultimately, the study contributes to enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable land management, and strengthening food security in the Mieso District and similar agro-ecological settings.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Mekonen Hunde Geletu

Department of Geographic Information Science, Oda Bultum University, Chiro, Ethiopia

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http://orcid.org/0009-0003-2667-3764

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Geletu, M. H. (2026). GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences, 11(1), 13-21. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12

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ACS Style

Geletu, M. H. GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. Int. J. Inf. Commun. Sci. 2026, 11(1), 13-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12

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AMA Style

Geletu MH. GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. Int J Inf Commun Sci. 2026;11(1):13-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12,
  author = {Mekonen Hunde Geletu},
  title = {GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia},
  journal = {International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {13-21},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijics.20261101.12},
  abstract = {This research investigates the physical land suitability for teff (Eragrostis tef) cultivation in Mieso District, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. Teff is a staple crop of major economic and food security importance in Ethiopia; however, its productivity is strongly influenced by variations in environmental and agro-ecological conditions. Therefore, identifying suitable land for teff cultivation is essential for sustainable agricultural planning and improved crop yields. The study integrates multiple biophysical factors that significantly affect teff growth, including soil type, altitude, slope, rainfall, and temperature. Spatial datasets were collected from satellite imagery, digital elevation models, soil databases, and meteorological records. These datasets were processed and analyzed using GIS tools. A multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, specifically a weighted overlay analysis, was applied to evaluate and classify land suitability based on the relative importance of each factor. The results indicate that areas characterized by gentle slopes, favorable elevations, nutrient-rich soils, and suitable climatic conditions exhibit high to moderate suitability for teff cultivation. In particular, regions receiving annual rainfall between 800 and 1200 mm and experiencing moderate temperatures were identified as the most suitable zones. Conversely, areas with steep slopes, poor soil conditions, or unfavorable climatic characteristics were classified as marginally suitable or unsuitable. The findings demonstrate a strong relationship between agro-ecological conditions and teff productivity in the study area. This research provides valuable spatial information that can support farmers, planners, and policymakers in optimizing land use decisions. Ultimately, the study contributes to enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable land management, and strengthening food security in the Mieso District and similar agro-ecological settings.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - GIS and Remote Sensing-Driven Physical Land Suitability Analysis for Optimal Teff Crop Production: A Case Study of Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia
AU  - Mekonen Hunde Geletu
Y1  - 2026/01/31
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12
T2  - International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Information and Communication Sciences
SP  - 13
EP  - 21
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1719
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijics.20261101.12
AB  - This research investigates the physical land suitability for teff (Eragrostis tef) cultivation in Mieso District, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. Teff is a staple crop of major economic and food security importance in Ethiopia; however, its productivity is strongly influenced by variations in environmental and agro-ecological conditions. Therefore, identifying suitable land for teff cultivation is essential for sustainable agricultural planning and improved crop yields. The study integrates multiple biophysical factors that significantly affect teff growth, including soil type, altitude, slope, rainfall, and temperature. Spatial datasets were collected from satellite imagery, digital elevation models, soil databases, and meteorological records. These datasets were processed and analyzed using GIS tools. A multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, specifically a weighted overlay analysis, was applied to evaluate and classify land suitability based on the relative importance of each factor. The results indicate that areas characterized by gentle slopes, favorable elevations, nutrient-rich soils, and suitable climatic conditions exhibit high to moderate suitability for teff cultivation. In particular, regions receiving annual rainfall between 800 and 1200 mm and experiencing moderate temperatures were identified as the most suitable zones. Conversely, areas with steep slopes, poor soil conditions, or unfavorable climatic characteristics were classified as marginally suitable or unsuitable. The findings demonstrate a strong relationship between agro-ecological conditions and teff productivity in the study area. This research provides valuable spatial information that can support farmers, planners, and policymakers in optimizing land use decisions. Ultimately, the study contributes to enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable land management, and strengthening food security in the Mieso District and similar agro-ecological settings.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

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