Spatial modeling of water erosion vulnerability and mapping potential sites of control measures using GIS and MCDM: a case study from the drylands of southeastern Morocco

In the southeast of Morocco, water erosion constitutes the origin of many geo-environmental and socio-economic problems that stress the ecosystem and negatively impact the water harvesting structures. The goal of this work is to apply a new model for assessing water erosion vulnerability and choosing possible locations for erosion control implementation using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making analysis. The study area is dominated by low-risk water erosion zones, according to the primary findings. However, some locations exhibit a high level of danger, necessitating immediate, comprehensive action to reduce the harm that would inevitably result. The data and suggestions from this work can be used by people in charge to help stop soil erosion and protect water resources in these fragile ecosystems, where most people depend on agriculture for their livelihood.