Selection and Characterization of Badia Watershed Research Sites

Abstract

This report describes the use of improved methodologies developed for identifying water-harvesting sites. It also provides general guidelines for determining site potential in relation to various parameters. The approach integrates multi-disciplinary knowledge, use of GIS, and verification in the field to develop and test a methodology to identify watersheds with specific characteristics – in this case, watersheds most suited to project activities within the Jordanian Badia. The report consists of two sections: the first considers the detailed criteria and the procedure used for site selection; the second considers the biophysical and socioeconomic characterization of selected watersheds. The whole approach demonstrates how GIS can be used at different scales, using whatever data are available, to help select fields that are suitable for implementing new land-use alternatives. The approach was also successful in integrating biophysical and socio-economic criteria in the selection process, to develop sustainable water harvesting interventions to improve water productivity in the Badia. It is expected that this approach will be applicable to areas similar to those considered by this report.