TITLE:
Integrating Remote Sensing and GIS for Groundwater Potential Mapping in the Santa-Babadjou Corridor
AUTHORS:
Besende D. Njumba, Mary Lum Fonteh Niba, Janefrancis Banseka Ndefru
KEYWORDS:
Groundwater Potential Zones, Remote Sensing, GIS, AHP, Santa-Babadjou Corridor, Sustainable Water Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
14,
2025
ABSTRACT: Groundwater scarcity in the Santa-Babadjou Corridor, Cameroon, driven by geological complexity, climate variability, and increasing agricultural demand, necessitates precise identification of potential recharge zones. This study integrates remote sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and field surveys to delineate groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) using a multi-criteria decision-making approach. Five thematic layers, lithology, slope, relief, drainage density, and land use/land cover (LULC) were analyzed and weighted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), yielding a consistency ratio of 1.84%, confirming AHP model reliability. Lithology (32.7%) and slope (29.9%) emerged as the most influential factors, with fractured granites and alluvial deposits exhibiting high infiltration capacity, while steep slopes (>19˚) hindered recharge. Moderate-to-high potential zones (95.11% of the area) were concentrated in low-lying regions with gentle slopes, permeable lithologies, and favorable LULC, whereas poor zones (4.90%) coincided with rugged, impermeable terrains. Field validation using spring locations confirmed the model’s accuracy. The resulting GWPZ map provides a critical tool for sustainable groundwater management, aiding borehole siting, agricultural planning, and policy decisions in this water-stressed region. This study demonstrates the efficacy of RS-GIS-AHP integration in complex hydrogeological settings, offering a replicable framework for similar regions globally.