Siting Artificial Water Points in Mkuzi Game Reserve using GIS

The most appropriate sites for artificial water holes in Mkuzi Game Reserve (MGR), KwaZulu Natal, were determined by implementing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with real-time Geographic Information System (GIS) simulations performed in a series of decision meetings. Artificial water supply and its location are critical in maintaining naturally functioning ecosystems. Human intervention is necessary since changes in land use in the vicinity of MGR have reduced the availability of naturally occurring water to animals in the reserve. The AHP is a participatory decision making procedure which aids to structure a problem, identify and evaluate criteria and objectives, and synthesise the results. The meetings allowed open discussion and re-evaluation of criteria which were represented as raster images and, using GIS, combined in a weighted linear combination to produce images of net suitability for artificial water holes. Each reiteration of the decision procedure applied a unique combination of criteria which was structured by the decision makers’ valuations. The suitability images resulting from different combinations were similar, indicating the model was stable and leading to consensus amongst the decision makers. Thus, the most suitable sites for artificial water points in the reserve were identified using an approach which integrated the AHP with GIS analyses. A spatial database was constructed and the relevant GIS layers developed. The decision process was implemented interactively with interested members of the Natal Parks Board (NPB). Decision makers reached consensus on a set of sites suitable for artificial water holes. These include the area of the Nhlonhlela valley and road, the Mahlanza road, the area immediately north of Nsumu Pan, and the Bangalala area. It is recommended that one of the natural pans in the Bangalala area south of the airstrip be used. A critical evaluation of the assumptions, limitations, and applicability of the entire procedure was made. Particular attention was paid to the technique of integrating the AHP with GIS simulations, and how the raster images were prepared in order to represent criteria accurately. The hierarchical method of structuring a problem was found to be practical and simple to use, but required some redundancy as it constrains the types of linkages which can be used. It was found that the AHP-based participatory decision making process using GIS was an appropriate tool in determining where to site water holes in MGR. The success and simplicity of the procedure in this study suggests that it is suitable for a much wider range of applications in spatial allocation of natural resources.