A Model for Improving Crop Productivity and Economic Resilience Through Satellite and In Situ Data Integration in Ethiopia’s Semiarid Region

Water and nutrient deficit along with soil salinity adversely affect agricultural productivity and economic gain. However, evidence-based research insights are limited in semi-arid regions, including southern Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of soil salinity (EC), moisture (Sm), and nitrate(N) to productivity and economic gains in southern Ethiopia by integrating field-based and remotely obtained data. An exponential model was developed by incorporating EC, Sm, and N to estimate the crop yields and associated economic losses for cotton, banana, and maize. The findings showed that increased soil salinity significantly reduced crop yields, whereas sufficient Sm and N improved yield performance. Economic analysis showed that smallholders face yield reduction and economic losses, implying the need for better salinity mitigation and nutrient management alternatives in the region. The current findings provide implications for integrated and innovative modelling of the combined contribution of Sm, EC, and N on yield and economic benefits to improve yield, ensure productivity sustainability, and achieve economic resilience in semi-arid regions. Further research should investigate in situ, satellite, and advanced models to explore salinity and its associated risks in semi-arid regions.