SPIS Toolbox - Evaluate Geophysical Parameters
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2. Evaluate Geophysical Parameters
Several geophysical parameters can be used to assess SPIS markets. This module highlights 3 that are crucial to the viability of SPIS applications as discussed in Chapter 1: Land cover-land use, solar irradiation and precipitation (under water availability). If the state of these three parameters is unfavourable in the area under assessment, SPIS is unlikely to be practical. An additional 4 parameters that are key to the market assessment for SPIS are also identified – these do not affect the viability of SPIS; they affect the success of SPIS adoption on a case by case basis. The 7 parameters are expounded on below.
Demographics
An understanding of demographic characteristics including population density, age, migration levels and patterns and household income provide additional information when making decisions on potential SPIS markets. These characteristics can be used as proxy indicators of poverty levels, labour availability, prevailing agricultural practices, urban settlements among others.
This parameter cannot be used standalone, but in combination with other parameters can assist in a deeper understanding of social dynamics and cultural conditions for a target region. For example, as earlier mentioned, coupling topography with poverty levels could help infer market potential. Also, analysis of population density and land cover-land use data could highlight densely populated areas or urban settlements which could be a factor in determining the viability of a potential SPIS market. SPIS sites cannot be in densely populated urban settlements however they could be located close to such areas as they provide market for produce.
Evaluating demographic characteristics such as household income alongside business parameters such as financing and incidences of poverty can serve to highlight the capability of households to take up SPIS systems.
Outcome/Product
- Correlation of demographic characteristics with SPIS geophysical and business parameters to identify relevant issues in determining potential SPIS markets
Data Requirement
- Census Reports
- Satellite imagery on global population
People/Stakeholders
- Government Ministries including Ministries of labour and migration
- Statisticians
