Technical evaluation of land suitability by using geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies play an indispensable role to reduce the difficulties of livestock production. The general objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of land for camel production with the help of GIS and remote sensing techniques in Dubti and Mile District of Afar National Regional State; and producing land use/cover map, extracting water accessibility map and conducting land suitability evaluation for camel production were the specific objectives of the study. To accomplish these objectives spatial modeling technique particularly Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA) were employed. LandSat satellite image, rainfall and temperature and topographical data were the factors of the study. In addition road and drinking water availability and accessibility were also considered for the final land suitability mapping. These data were processed and analyzed by ArcGIS, Erdas imagine, Idrisi, 3DEM terrain visualization and global mapper software. Land use/cover (LULC), rainfall, temperature, elevation and slope factor suitability maps were produced for the major livestock type of pastoral and agro pastoral communities of the study area which is camel. Despite these factors road and drinking water accessibility maps were also considered for the final suitability map. Then, based on these factor suitability maps, the overall land suitability evaluation were undertaken for this livestock type. As the suitability map indicates only the western part of Mile district is suitable for camel production. Hence, efforts should be made to improve and sustain camel production in the study area.

Keywords: Reclassification, weighted overlay analysis, suitability analysis.