PyAEZ methodology is the python-language toolbox for land evaluation assessment. PyAEZ has been utilizing climate, soil, terrain aspects to evaluate food security status, land productivity potentials and land suitability process. As a toolbox under Python programming language, this tool was originally developed by FAO and IIASA from its source code of methodology.
With the new version of PyAEZ v2.2 (previously published its v.2.1 on last June 2023), GIC facilitated a four-day online training of the new PyAEZ version, conducted with the support from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and IIASA (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis). Prof. Rajendra Shrestha from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) warmly welcomed the participants as the coordinators from AIT. Team lead from GIC, Dr. Kittiphon Boonma, introduced PyAEZ tool and delivered the fundamental items under this tool.
The PyAEZ v2.2 underwent a major algorithm revision, and enhancement of user-input data. Starting from the 11th to 14th December 2023, Dr. Kittiphon and Mr. Swun Wunna Htet from GIC delivered the practical sessions, with AEZ concept presentation by Dr. Günther Fischer from IIASA, and soil evaluation concept by Dr. Freddy Nachtergaele, supporting capacity building to more than 50 participants and researchers from more than 30 countries across the world.
The online training met the expectations, which aimed to deliver the understanding of AEZ assessment procedure under PyAEZ toolbox. The participants were able to run different crop types of yield simulation and showcased the different scenarios with crop map visualization.
The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Damien Beau from FAO-Regional Office of Asia and Pacific (FAO-RAP), addressing the potential to PyAEZ package, especially in future food security issues.
