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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

GIS-based multi-criteria land suitability assessment for Abaca (Musa textilis Née) production in Aklan Province, Philippines

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13782
Submitted
22 January 2026
Published
04-06-2026 — Updated on 10-08-2026
Versions

Abstract

The Philippines is recognised as the centre of origin of Abaca (Musa textilis Née) and produces 85 % of the global market supply of high-quality Abaca fibres. Aklan is the leading province for Abaca production in Western Visayas both cultivated area and fibre output, significantly contributes to the national fibre supply. However, due to the increasing demand for Abaca fibres for textile, commercial and industrial applications, the Philippines faces increasing pressure to expand and optimise Abaca production. This study aimed to identify optimal areas for Abaca cultivation and expansion in Aklan Province using geographic information system (GIS)-based land suitability assessment. Secondary data on the factors influencing Abaca suitability, such as soil, rainfall, elevation, slope and land cover, were sourced from reliable government agencies. These factors were weighted and overlaid following the land suitability criteria of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) using GIS methods, with minor modifications. The analysis revealed that 40.29 % (67005.22 ha) of Aklan is highly suitable (S1), 18.10 % (30100.86 ha) moderately suitable (S2), 26.82 % (44640.29 ha) marginally suitable (S3) and 14.77 % (24577.77 ha) not suitable (N) for Abaca production. The findings support prioritisation of highly suitable areas for plantation establishment and expansion to enhance fibre production efficiency and reduce input requirements. These findings highlight the potential to prioritise highly suitable areas for plantation establishment and expansion to enhance fibre production efficiency and reduce input requirements. Overall, this study provides a spatial decision support framework for strategic expansion of Abaca cultivation to address global demand for high-quality fibres.

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