Abstract
Land is a limited yet vital resource, which is fundamental for food security and national stability. Ensuring its effective use requires modern tools to support informed decision making. This study evaluates land suitability for irrigation in the Kyzylorda region of Kazakhstan, with the objective of identifying areas appropriate for crop expansion. A multidimensional approach was employed, integrating soil properties, topography, proximity to water sources, and existing land use patterns, with suitability classes defined according to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s framework. The Analytic Hierarchy Process, based on pair-wise comparisons and Saaty’s scale, was used to assign weights to each factor. The findings reveal that 30% of highly suitable land and 80% of suitable land remain uncultivated. Conversely, 10% of the current cropland is located in marginally suitable area—likely a result of historical land use decisions or the limited availability of optimal land. This research responds to the specific challenges of arid climates and water scarcity by providing a decision-support tool that promotes sustainable land use, strengthens food security, and encourages responsible land management.