Assessment of the Irrigation Potential of Ampidong Crater Lake, SoilCharacteristics, and their Effects on the Irish Potato Value Chain inAmpang West District, Mangu Local Government Area, PlateauState, Nigeria
Keywords:
Irish Potatoe, Soil Characteristics, irrigation Potential, Ampidong Crater Lake, GIS, Remote SensingAbstract
Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of the Nigerian economy, providing livelihoods for a large proportion of the rural population while contributing significantly to national food security and economic development. However, agricultural productivity in many parts of the country is constrained by seasonal rainfall variability, climate change, declining soil fertility, and inadequate irrigation infrastructure. Ampidong Crater Lake, located in Ampang West District of Mangu LGA, represents an important natural freshwater resource with considerable potential for agricultural development. This study is to aimed assess the irrigation potential of the lake, evaluate soil characteristics, and determine their effects on the Irish potato value chain in Ampang West District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study adopted an integrated multidisciplinary research design combining hydrological assessment, soil quality assessment, irrigation suitability analysis, agricultural survey, value chain analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. Results revealed potential for over 120,000 metric tonnes within the 62.32 km2 area of study if required investments and inputs are available.
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