Land Suitability Analysis for the Commercial Cultivation of Jatropha Curcas Linneaus in Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed land suitability for the commercial cultivation of Jatropha curcas L. in 
Yobe State, Nigeria, using geospatial techniques and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). 
Eight criteria were analyzed: rainfall, temperature, soil texture, soil pH, land use/land cover, 
slope, proximity to roads, and proximity to gas stations. Each criterion was mapped and 
standardized using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and reclassified in ArcGIS 10.8 to 
identify optimal sites for cultivation and estimate potential biofuel and electricity output. 
Results showed that suitability levels varied across the state. Highly suitable areas covered 
approximately 11.15%–49.72% of the land depending on the factor considered. AHP weights 
revealed rainfall (21.1%), soil texture (14.9%), and temperature (14.5%) as the most 
influential factors, while road proximity (7.6%) had the least impact. Overlay analysis 
indicated that 23.32% of the southern region is highly suitable, 34.56% moderately suitable, 
and 42.12% marginally suitable for large-scale cultivation of J. curcas. The estimated energy 
generation potential from these areas was 689,726.05 m³ of biofuel which could be produced 
through transesterification, suitable for industrial lubricants, cosmetics, agro-biopesticides, 
and livestock feed supplements. Additionally, the fuel has the potential to generate 
approximately 7,138,664.6 kWh of electricity annually, offering an opportunity to power homes 
and devices, particularly in rural communities with limited access to energy. The findings 
underscore the economic and environmental importance of site selection for bioenergy 
projects. It recommends strategic investments in both small-and large-scale cultivation of J. 
curcas in identified suitable areas to support energy access, climate resilience, and rural 
development.