Evaluating Desertification Alternatives Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Model and Order Preference Technique Through Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). (Case study: Khezrabad region, Yazd province)

For advancing the efficiency of control, reclamation, reconstruction project and for preventing of wasting limited resources, it is clear that in desertification projects, a method is needed to cover different benchmarks and alternatives and provide optimal solution basea on systematic structure and group aspects. It is observed that the alternatives provided based on the view of the experts, partial, de-systematic and non-multilateral. There is not enough background in using systematic models such as: Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) in combat desertification. Because, this study tries to use Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and systematic model Technique for Order Preference through Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), to provide optimal alternatives in combat desertification. In this study the opinion of experts about alternatives and criteria were assessed by using Delphi method and Pire wise comparison and with the application of EC software, Then final preference for the alternatives was obtained with forming decision matrix in the framework of TOPSIS method. On the basis of obtained results unsuitable land use alternative with relative convergence of 0.766, vegetation cover development and reclamation with relative convergence of 0.576 and modification of groundwater harvesting with relative convergence of 0.403 were determined as the optimum combat desertification alternatives in the study area.