As part of this research focus ICARDA undertakes multi-thematic and multi-scale characterization studies of the diverse agroecologies and livelihood systems of CWANA. GIS has a critical support role in these activities..

As part of the overall characterization of the CWANA region ICARDA has developed methods and software for agroclimatic characterization, based on the spatialization at 1 km resolution of basic and derived climatic variables, using statistical techniques (Fig.1). It has also developed methods for regional assessment of land use and land cover using low-resolution multi-temporal satellite imagery (AVHRR) (Fig.2). These methods and software are currently used for the development of a regional spatial database covering CWANA and the Mediterranean.

At greater detail GIS activities cover studies at national or sub-national level. A major undertaking is the compilation of a spatial database for Syria, which includes thematic layers on climate, soils, water resources, land cover/land use, production systems, agricultural production, and land suitability. A system that will allow easy access to this data set is being produced.

At community level an approach is being developed for participatory mapping, aiming to integrate informal knowledge of farmers about local environments into standard research methodologies (Fig.3). We also aim to do spatial modeling using the data and knowledge obtained from this participatory mapping.