PROJECT REPORT

ON

DAM SUITABILITY ANALYSIS AND MAPPING USING AN

INTEGRATED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) AND
REMOTE SENSING (RS) AND AHP-MCDA (ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY
PROCESS – MULTI CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS): A CASE STUDY
OF THE OGBESE RIVER BASIN

BY

MBAEKESI ARINZE ISAAC

FPA/SG/23/3-0025

SUBMITTED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF SURVEYING AND GEO-INFORMATICS,

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, ADO – EKITI, EKITI STATE

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE

AWARD OF A HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOPMA (H.N.D) IN
SURVEYING AND GEO-INFORMATICS,

AUGUST, 2025
 CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the information in this project report was obtained as a result of field

observation, research and measurements carried out by me and that the survey was carried with

survey rules, regulations and departmental rules.

…………………………………. ………………………
MBAEKESI ARINZE ISAAC DATE
 CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this project was prepared and submitted by MBAEKESI ARINZE

ISAAC with MATRIC NO.:FPA/SG/23/3-0025 to the department of Surveying and Geo-

informatics in partial fulfillment of Higher National Diploma (H.N.D) in Surveying and Geo-

informatics in the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

……………………….. ………………………
IR. CHRIS ODEYEMI DATE
(PROJECT SUPERVISOR)

……………………….. ………………………
SURV. I.O TAIWO ISRAEL DATE
(HEAD OF DEPARTMENT)

……………………….. ………………………
EXTERNAL SUPERVISOR DATE
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My gratitude goes to Almighty God, the most merciful, the establisher of the complete universe

for his gaurdians and love over me. When kindness cannot be returned, it should be appreciated

and passed on others, pretty a lot of humans have been so kind to me in the direction of writing

this challenge and their kindness deserves acknowledgement.

My undisputed and applicable thanks go to my guardian Mr. & Mrs. MBAEKESI, my siblings,

also to my uncle IFEJIAYIN OGECHWUKWU for his monetary aid and their words of

recommendation and encouragement rendered to me in the course of this project. Finally, my

exceptional thanks go to my humble supervisor, IR. Chris Odeyemi who directed this mission

and rendered useful contributions that led to the success of this project. May you continually be a

blessing to all (Amen). My appreciation goes to all members of staff for their tutelage at various

levels of my course. May Almighty God bless you.

 DEDICATION

The project is dedicated to Almighty God for his protection over my life and to my loving dad

MR. MBEAKESI for his love and support. May God continue to bless and uphold him.
LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 ABSTRACT

Ensuring adequate water supply is essential for human wellbeing, industrial development, and
agricultural sustainability. In Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African nations, challenges such
as poor urban planning and inadequate water infrastructure pose significant obstacles. Dam
construction has become a crucial strategy for water conservation, particularly in areas with
seasonal rainfall. Modern technological advances, including remote sensing, GIS, and machine
learning, now enable the creation of sophisticated dam site suitability maps (DSSM). This study
applies these tools to identify optimal dam locations in the Ogbese River Basin near Ado-Ekiti,
Nigeria.

The research methodology integrates nine key environmental factors: precipitation patterns,
drainage systems, terrain slope, land usage, rock composition, geological features, soil
characteristics, transportation infrastructure, and urban development. These factors were
analyzed using a hybrid approach combining GIS and RS techniques.

The analysis process involved two main phases. Initially, environmental layers were normalized
and weighted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), accounting for the basin's specific
geological and hydrological features. Subsequently, a Random Forest algorithm, trained on data
from successful Nigerian dam projects, was employed to validate and enhance the multi-criteria
decision analysis results.

The study identified that 20% of the analyzed area was highly suitable for dam construction.
These locations featured appropriate rainfall levels (1500-2000mm annually), suitable
topography, favorable PreCambrian geology, and good accessibility. The selection process also
considered the protection of cultural lands, agricultural areas, and local ecosystems within the
Guinea Savanna zone.

This integrated methodology demonstrates the effectiveness of combining traditional and

modern analytical approaches in water resource management. The framework provides valuable
insights for water resource development in Nigeria and similar regions, while emphasizing the
importance of considering local socio-economic factors and environmental dynamics in
infrastructure planning.
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Water stands as an indispensable resource for sustaining life on Earth, yet its availability faces
mounting challenges in our modern world. The rapid pace of urbanization, coupled with
exponential population growth, has led to unprecedented water scarcity issues in Nigeria and
across Africa (Ogwu, 2019). In many developing nations, individual water consumption patterns
reflect both traditional needs and emerging lifestyle changes, placing immense strain on existing
water resources (Dos Santos et al., 2017). This challenge is particularly acute in regions like
Ekiti State, Nigeria, which faces challenges of poorly planned urban expansion, limited access to
water resources, and inadequate regulatory frameworks for water management and distribution.
Consequently, the strategic management of water resources and the exploration of innovative
water storage and supply solutions have become critical priorities for Nigeria's development.

The Ogbese River Basin, located in Ado-Ekiti, serves as a compelling case study of these
challenges. This region, situated within Ekiti State, has witnessed remarkable demographic
growth and urban expansion, leading to increased pressure on water resources. The area's
seasonal rainfall patterns and growing water demands from both urban and agricultural sectors
have highlighted the need for improved water storage infrastructure (Flörke et al., 2018). This
situation is particularly significant given the region's characteristic tropical climate with distinct
wet and dry seasons, necessitating effective water management strategies.

Traditional approaches to dam site selection in Nigeria, often based on conventional decision-
making methods or political considerations, are increasingly being supplemented by more
sophisticated technological solutions. The emergence of remote sensing (RS) and geographic
information systems (GIS) has revolutionized the process of identifying optimal dam locations
within the Ogbese River Basin. These advanced technologies, bolstered by improvements in
satellite capabilities and computational power, enable comprehensive analysis of the basin's
hydrologic parameters and terrain characteristics. The integration of RS and GIS technologies
facilitates the combination of spatial data with advanced numerical, statistical, and decision-
making methodologies, including fuzzy logic, analytical hierarchal processes (AHP), Boolean
logic, and artificial intelligence applications (Talukdar et al., 2022).
Recent research on the Ogbese River Basin has identified several critical factors that influence
dam site suitability, including the region's unique topographical conditions, basement complex
geological structures, tropical soil characteristics, and seasonal stream runoff patterns. Additional
considerations encompass construction and maintenance costs within the Nigerian context, dam
longevity in tropical conditions, and impacts on local communities and ecosystems (SALIHU,
2015). These factors must be carefully evaluated to ensure the successful implementation of dam
projects while minimizing potential risks to life, property, and the environment within the
Guinea Savanna ecological zone.

This analysis is particularly crucial for Ekiti State's water resource management strategy, as it
aims to address both current water demands and future needs while preserving the ecological
integrity of the Ogbese River Basin. The findings provide valuable insights for water resource
planners and policymakers working to enhance water security in similar geological and climatic
settings across Nigeria.

Review of Recent Studies and Key Findings in Nigeria:

 Ogun-Osun River Basin Study (2022) Researchers employed integrated GIS and AHP
techniques to identify suitable dam sites across the basin. The study incorporated 12
thematic layers and found that approximately 18% of the study area was highly suitable
for dam construction. (Adeleke, O., et al. (2022). "GIS-based multi-criteria analysis for
dam site selection in Ogun-Osun River Basin, Nigeria."
 Niger Delta Watershed Analysis (2021) This comprehensive study used remote sensing
data and machine learning algorithms to assess potential dam sites, considering
environmental sensitivity and community impacts. (Ibrahim, M., & Johnson, K. (2021).
"Application of machine learning in dam site selection: A case study of the Niger Delta."
Journal of Environmental Management, 280, 111668.
 Kaduna River Basin Assessment (2023) Combined artificial neural networks with
traditional MCDA approaches to evaluate dam site suitability, introducing innovative
methods for handling data scarcity (Usman, A., & Mohammed, A. (2023). "Artificial
intelligence approaches in dam site selection: The Kaduna River Basin experience."
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195(3), 1-18.
  Cross River Analysis (2022) Focused on small-scale dam potential for rural water supply,
using participatory GIS approaches and community engagement (Ekpo, J., & Smith, R.
(2022). "Community-based approaches to dam site selection in Cross River State." Water
Resources and Rural Development, 18, 100189.
 Sokoto-Rima Basin Study (2021) Employed advanced remote sensing techniques and
climate change projections to identify sustainable dam locations (Hassan, M., et al.
(2021). "Climate-smart dam site selection in Northern Nigeria." International Journal of
Water Resources Development, 37(4), 651-673.
 Benue River System Analysis (2023) Integrated environmental flow requirements with
traditional suitability criteria for more sustainable dam planning (Adebayo, K., & Wilson,
P. (2023). "Environmental flow considerations in dam site selection: A case study of the
Benue River." River Research and Applications, 39(2), 289-304.
 Lagos State Water Resources Study (2022) Combined urban water demand projections
with GIS-based suitability analysis for small reservoir planning (Ogunleye, T., &
Roberts, L. (2022). "Urban water security through small reservoir development in Lagos
State." Urban Water Journal, 19(5), 478-492.
 Anambra Basin Investigation (2021) Used multi-temporal satellite data to assess land use
changes and their implications for dam site selection (Nnamdi, O., et al. (2021).
"Temporal analysis of land use change impacts on dam site suitability in Anambra State."
Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 22, 100478.

Table 1. Other review of recent dam site suitability studies.

REFERENCE
S STUDY AREA UTILIZED FACTORS UTILIZED TECHNIQUE

Rainfall, geology, soil type,

fault line, tectonic line,
altitude, slope, road
Greater Zab river, network, LU/LC, material Analytical hierarchal processes
Noor et al. Northern Iraq used for dam construction (AHP) and fuzzy logic
Western dessert of
Sayl et al. Iraq Elevation Area volume curve method
Analytic hierarchy process
(AHP) and the factor
Jamali et al. Northern Pakistan interaction method (FIM)
Jamali et al. Boda-Kalvsvik, Water balance calculations and
 Sweden overlay analysis
Soil conservation service curve
number (SCS-CN) equation,
compound weighted index
Sao-Francisco and (CWI) and multi criteria
Weerasinghe Nile catchments evaluation techniques
Overlay analysis (Integrated
Mission for Sustainable
Karso, Development (IMSD)
Pandey et al. Hazaribagh, India guidelines)
Soankhad Overlay analysis (IMSD
watershed, guidelines) and Water balance
Singh et al. Punjab, India study
Bakhar watershed Weighted overlay analysis
of Mirzapur (IMSD and Indian National
District, Uttar Committee of Hydrology
Kumar et al. Pradesh, India (INCOH))
Himalayan region, Calculation of available flow of
Das et al. India water
Yarafeni
watershed in
Midnapur district,
West Bengal, Sediment yield index (SYI) and
Ratnam et al. India weighted overlay analysis
Langkawi Island,
Baban et al. Malaysia Weighted overlay analysis

This study investigates suitable locations for dam construction within the Ogbese River

Basin in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, focusing on effective water resource management. This research

aims to identify optimal dam sites by considering a range of influential factors tailored to the

specific characteristics of the region. This may include, but isn't limited to, criteria such as

geology, topography, hydrology, and land use/land cover. The research will investigate the

basin's geo-hydrological properties and determine the relative importance of each factor in

determining dam site suitability.

1.2. STATE OF THE PROBLEM:

The Ogbese River Basin faces increasing pressure on its water resources due to population

growth, agricultural expansion, and the potential impacts of climate change. Effective water

management strategies, including the development of suitable dam infrastructure, are crucial for

sustainable development. However, identifying optimal locations for dam construction requires

careful consideration of numerous interconnected environmental, social, and economic factors.

Current approaches often lack the integrated and spatially explicit perspective necessary for

comprehensive assessment, potentially leading to suboptimal resource utilization, negative

environmental consequences, and conflicts with local communities. Therefore, there is a critical

need for a robust and spatially informed methodology for dam suitability analysis in the Ogbese

River Basin.

1.3. AIM AND OBJECTIVE:

1.3.1. AIM

The core aim of the project is to create a dam site suitability map (DSSM) for the Ogbese
River Basin.

1.3.2. OBJECTIVES:

This involves:

 Data Collection and Integration: Gather and integrate various spatial and non-spatial data
layers (e.g., topography, hydrology, geology, land use, and climate).

 Identifying Suitable Zones: Pinpointing areas within the basin that are geographically and
hydrologically appropriate for dam construction, with the goal of improving water
resource management.
 Mapping and Weighting Factors: Identifying and mapping relevant geological,

geomorphological, and climatological factors. Crucially, the study will determine the

relative contribution (weight) of each factor in determining optimal dam locations.

  Applying Integrated Methods: Utilizing a combination of remote sensing, GIS, and

potentially multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques like AHP.

 Sensitivity Analysis: Conducting a sensitivity analysis to assess the influence of each

factor on the final DSSM, thereby identifying the most critical variables for dam site

selection.

 Validation: This research in the Ogbese River Basin will seek appropriate validation

methods, potentially comparing identified suitable sites with local knowledge or existing

water infrastructure plans, given the specific context of the region. This may involve field

verification or stakeholder consultation.

1.4. PURPOSE OF STUDY:

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively assess dam suitability within the Ogbese River

Basin by developing and implementing a robust, integrated framework. This framework will

leverage the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing (RS), and

potentially multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to provide a holistic and spatially explicit

understanding of dam suitability. The study recognizes that selecting appropriate locations for

dam construction is a complex undertaking, requiring careful consideration of a wide range of

interconnected factors.

Specifically, this research aims to move beyond traditional, often fragmented approaches to dam

site selection by creating a comprehensive framework that systematically integrates diverse data

sources and analytical techniques. This framework will not only identify and map potential dam

sites but also evaluate their suitability based on a thorough analysis of environmental, social, and

economic considerations.
1.5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

Research questions in this case is categorized into three:

1. Data and Methodology

2. Spatial Analysis and Mapping

3. Water Resource Management and Sustainability

4. Specific to Ogbese River Basin

1. Data and Methodology:

 What are the key environmental, social, and economic factors that should be considered
in dam suitability analysis for the Ogbese River Basin?

 What are the most appropriate remote sensing data sources and GIS techniques for
acquiring and analyzing these factors?

 How can GIS and remote sensing be effectively integrated to create a comprehensive
spatial database for dam suitability assessment?

 What is the optimal methodology for weighting and combining the different factors to
derive a dam suitability index?

 How can the accuracy and reliability of the dam suitability map be validated and
verified?

2. Spatial Analysis and Mapping:

 How do the various environmental, social, and economic factors vary spatially across the
Ogbese River Basin?

 Where are the potentially suitable locations for dam construction within the basin,
considering the identified factors?

 What are the spatial relationships between the identified suitable dam sites and other
important features, such as existing infrastructure, protected areas, and communities?
  What are the potential environmental and social impacts associated with the identified
dam sites? (Downstream effects, displacement, etc.)

 How does the dam suitability map reflect the relative importance of the different factors
considered in the analysis?

3. Water Resource Management and Sustainability:

 How can the dam suitability map be used as a decision support tool for water resource
planning and management in the Ogbese River Basin?

 What are the potential benefits and trade-offs associated with dam development in the
identified suitable locations?

 How can dam development contribute to sustainable water resource management in the
basin, considering the needs of various stakeholders and the potential impacts of climate
change?

 What are the recommended strategies for mitigating the potential negative impacts of
dam construction and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits?

 How can the findings of this study inform policy and decision-making related to water
resource development in the Ogbese River Basin and similar regions?

4. Specific to Ogbese River Basin:

 Are there any existing water management plans or local knowledge about suitable dam
sites in the Ogbese River Basin that can be incorporated into the analysis?

 What are the specific water resource challenges and opportunities in the Ogbese River
Basin that could be addressed through dam development?

 Are there any specific cultural or historical sites within the Ogbese River Basin that need
to be considered in the dam suitability analysis?
1.6. JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY:

The Ogbese River Basin, a crucial water source for its inhabitants, faces increasing strain due to
rapid population growth and expanding agriculture. These pressures, mirroring trends in
developing regions, necessitate sustainable water management to ensure future water security.
Dams, when strategically placed, can aid in water storage and flow regulation. However,
selecting suitable dam sites is complex, requiring consideration of various factors. Traditional
methods often fall short, neglecting spatial analysis and the interplay of environmental, social,
and economic aspects. This can lead to negative consequences like environmental degradation,
social disruption, and economic inefficiencies.

This study aims to address these shortcomings by employing a more robust methodology for dam
site selection in the Ogbese River Basin. It will utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
and remote sensing (RS) to manage and analyze spatial data, providing a comprehensive
assessment of dam suitability. GIS will handle diverse spatial data, while RS will offer up-to-
date environmental information. Additionally, multi-criteria analysis (MCA) will be integrated to
evaluate and weigh various criteria, ensuring an objective decision-making process.

The resulting dam suitability map will serve as a valuable tool for stakeholders, including
government agencies, local communities, and developers. This spatially explicit information will
empower informed decisions, promoting environmentally and socially responsible dam
development. Ultimately, this research seeks to balance the region's growing water demands with
minimal negative impacts, ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources in the Ogbese
River Basin.

1.7. SCOPE OF THE STUDY:

The scope of this study will encompass the following:

1. Geographic Extent:

 The study will focus specifically on the Ogbese River Basin. A detailed boundary of the
basin will be delineated using GIS.
2. Data Acquisition and Processing:

The study will utilize a combination of data sources, including:

 Remote Sensing Data: [Specify types of satellite imagery, e.g., Landsat, Sentinel, etc.,
and their resolution]. This data will be used to derive land use/land cover maps,
vegetation indices, and potentially other relevant parameters.
 GIS Data: Existing geospatial data, such as topographic maps, hydrological data (stream
networks, water bodies), geological maps, soil maps, and socio-economic data
(population density, administrative boundaries), will be acquired from relevant sources
(e.g., government agencies, research institutions).
3. Factor Selection and Weighting:
The study will identify and select key environmental, social, and economic factors relevant to
dam suitability in the Ogbese River Basin. These factors may include:
 Environmental: Topography (slope, elevation), hydrology (stream order, flow), geology,
soil properties, land use/land cover, biodiversity, and potential impacts on downstream
ecosystems.
 Social: Proximity to communities, potential displacement, impacts on livelihoods,
cultural heritage sites, and stakeholder preferences.
 Economic: Cost of dam construction, potential benefits (water supply, irrigation,
hydropower), infrastructure access, and economic development potential.
 A suitable method for weighting these factors will be chosen (e.g., Analytical Hierarchy
Process (AHP), or other Multi-Criteria Analysis techniques). The justification for the
chosen method will be provided.

4. GIS Analysis and Mapping:

 GIS software will be used to process and analyze the spatial data layers representing the
selected factors.
 Spatial analysis techniques (e.g., overlay analysis, weighted overlay analysis) will be
employed to integrate the different factors and generate a dam suitability map.

5. Remote Sensing Analysis:

 Remote sensing data will be processed and analyzed using appropriate software to derive
relevant information, such as land use/land cover classification.
  The derived information will be integrated into the GIS database for dam suitability
assessment.

6. Multi-Criteria Analysis:

 If MCA is used, the chosen method (e.g., AHP) will be implemented to assign weights to
the different factors and combine them to create a composite suitability index.

7. Dam Suitability Mapping:

 The final output of the study will be a dam suitability map of the Ogbese River Basin,
showing areas classified according to their suitability for dam construction.

8. Validation and Sensitivity Analysis:

 A sensitivity analysis will be conducted to assess the influence of individual factors on

the final dam suitability map. This will help identify the most critical factors for dam site
selection in the Ogbese River Basin.

9. Limitations:

 The study will acknowledge any limitations related to data availability, data quality, or
the chosen methodology. For example, if certain data is scarce, this will be mentioned. If
there are limitations to the remote sensing data (e.g., cloud cover), this will also be noted.

10. Deliverables:

The study will produce the following deliverables:

 A dam suitability map of the Ogbese River Basin.

 A report documenting the methodology, results, and conclusions of the study.
1.8. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA:
This study was conducted in a stretch of Ogbese river (Fig. 1) in Ado-Ekiti Local
Government Area, Ekiti State. Ogbese River lies between latitude and longitude 7° 45N and 5°
30E, within the tropical rain forest of Ekiti State. In terms of fisheries development, there is no
stocking of the river, hence, the fish in the river are naturally occurring. The river is laced with
farming activities.

Figure 1: Study Area

REFERENCES
Dos Santos, S., Adams, E. A., Neville, G., Wada, Y., De Sherbinin, A., Bernhardt, E. M., &
Adamo, S. B. (2017). Urban growth and water access in sub-Saharan Africa: Progress,
challenges, and emerging research directions. Science of the Total Environment, 607, 497–
508.
Flörke, M., Schneider, C., & McDonald, R. I. (2018). Water competition between cities and
agriculture driven by climate change and urban growth. Nature Sustainability, 1(1), 51–58.
Ogwu, M. C. (2019). Towards sustainable development in Africa: the challenge of urbanization
and climate change adaptation. The Geography of Climate Change Adaptation in Urban
Africa, 29–55.
SALIHU, M. E. (2015). ASSESSING DAM INFRASTRUCTURE AND HAPPINESS OF RURAL
DWELLERS: A CASE OF SHIRORO HYDRO ELECTRICITY DAM COMMUNITY IN
NIGERIA.
Talukdar, S., Naikoo, M. W., Mallick, J., Praveen, B., Sharma, P., Islam, A. R. M. T., Pal, S., &
Rahman, A. (2022). Coupling geographic information system integrated fuzzy logic-
analytical hierarchy process with global and machine learning based sensitivity analysis for
agricultural suitability mapping. Agricultural Systems, 196, 103343.