Land Degradation Vulnerability Mapping Using Analytical Hierarchy Process Method in the Qarahanjeer Area, Kirkuk, Northern Iraq

Abstract

Most countries around the world are facing serious environmental issues related to land degradation due to the decline in soil quality and reduction in land productivity. This study aims to assess and evaluate the vulnerability of the Qarahanjeer District in Kirkuk City, northern Iraq, to land degradation using a multi-criteria decision analysis of the Analytical Hierarchy Process. Six data sources were used to derive ten thematic layer maps. These maps serve as control factors for land deterioration. Accordingly, each thematic layer map was classified, scored, and weighted using the pairwise comparison matrix. Then, the AHP weights and the thematic maps were combined to produce the land degradation vulnerability map. This map shows that 72% of the Qarahanjeer area is classified under high and very high degradation. Several factors play a major role in this level of vulnerability. For example, areas with steep slopes, high drainage density, and high rainfall experience faster erosion and degradation. Furthermore, bare land with no vegetation cover and low rainfall may increase soil erosion. This degradation is most evident in the middle, northern, eastern, and northeastern parts of the study area. In contrast, other areas show that 11.9% of the Qarahanjeer has a medium degree of degradation, while only 16.1% exhibits low to very low degradation. Additionally, the western part of the study area shows medium and low degradation, whereas the Khassa Lake area has a very low tendency towards deterioration.