"Geospatial Comparative Analysis of Climate-Resilient Crop Suitability: A Case Study of Yazd (Iran) and California's Central Valley (USA)"

Core Problem: Climate change is increasingly threatening agricultural productivity in arid regions, where water scarcity and extreme temperatures reduce crop viability. Identifying climate-resilient crops suitable for such environments is crucial for food security and sustainable agriculture.Approach: This study conducts a geospatial comparative analysis of crop suitability in Yazd (Iran) and California’s Central Valley (USA), two regions with similar hot and dry climates. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, remote sensing data, climate records, and soil characteristics were integrated with multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to generate spatially explicit suitability maps for various crops under current and projected climate conditions.Key Findings: The analysis indicates that drought-tolerant crops such as pistachio, saffron, and olive exhibit high adaptability in both regions, while traditional crops like wheat and corn face increasing vulnerability to water stress. Spatial patterns show that crop suitability is strongly influenced by soil texture, irrigation access, and microclimatic variations. Localized adaptation strategies are essential to optimize crop selection and resource use.Impact: This study provides a replicable framework for integrating geospatial analysis with climate resilience assessment, enabling knowledge transfer between environmentally similar regions. Implementing climate-resilient crop planning can enhance food security, improve water-use efficiency, and support sustainable agriculture under changing climate conditions.