Spatial modeling of paddy fields in Gorontalo Regency, Indonesia

Gorontalo Regency has the largest paddy field area in Gorontalo Province. But until now paddy fields in Gorontalo Regency continue to experience conversion. Protection of paddy fields is very important so that the rice needs are still fulfilled so as to realize food sovereignty. The objective of this research is to compile the spatial model of paddy fields in Gorontalo Regency in 2015-2035. The method used is a Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Cellular Automata (CA), and uses thematic accuracy tests for model validation. The results of the validation of the spatial model of paddy fields in Gorontalo Regency have a good level of accuracy, so that the scenarios built can be accepted. Based on scenario 1, paddy fields in 2015-2035 experienced significant conversions despite the increase in paddy fields in other places. The policy intervention built on scenario 2 shows that conversion of paddy fields in 2015-2035 can be slightly suppressed, but the area of paddy fields is still decreasing. The policy intervention built on scenario 3 shows that most of the conversion of paddy fields in 2015-2035 can be reduced so that the area of paddy fields can increase.