multi-attribute utility theory (maut)

Nowadays, Desertification is one of the greatest environmental challenges. It is a global issue & its serious consequences affect on biodiversity, environmental safety, poverty eradication, economic & social stability & sustainable development around the world. Therefore, the most appropriate way to determine the extent of desertification risk is using experimental models. In this study to investigate the desertification multi attribute utility theory model was used. For this aim, required data layers were provided in ArcView environment. Then work units were separated using geomorphology method. By determining the effective index, the index values were determined in each works unit & the value of the indices to one another was determined by Shannon entropy method. In continues with calculating the equation of indices utility in work units, multi-attribute utility function or utility coefficient was estimated. Finally, the results were presented as evaluation map. The results showed that 0.42 & 8.92 percent of total study area are classified in very high & high class of desertification, respectively, & moderate desertification (81.74 percent) has the most share of desertification in the study area. Based on all factors, desertification utility index values for the entire region with value of 0.8677 was classified in moderate class. The results of this research provide the possibility of planning to minimize the effects of desertification in development projects, & can create conditions that the balance between development & environment projects be possible according to the priorities & vulnerability mapping of the study area.

Today, desertification is considered as a severe problem in most countries of the world, including the developing ones. Despite the serious environmental, social and economical impact of desertification phenomenon, few studies have been done to provide optimal alternatives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the alternatives for combating desertification in order to achieve optimal alternatives in the context of the sustainable management of deserts.

To achieve this goal, the Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) has been applied in the context of Multi-Attribute Decision-making (MADM) models. In order to determine the weights of criteria and alternatives, it was used the modified Delphi and Shannon entropy techniques, while the final rating of alternatives was performed using the Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) function. The model was applied to evaluate the efficiency in providing the optimal alternatives in Khezerabad Region of Yazd Province.

The results showed that, the alternatives of prevention of unsuitable land use changes (A18) by a utility factor of 0.7429, vegetation cover development and reclamation (A23) by a utility factor of 0.6573 and modification of ground water harvesting (A31) by a utility factor of 0.3184 respectively were identified as the most important alternatives for combating desertification in the region.

These results might able the managers to properly and efficiently use the limited available facilities and funds in order to control the desertification. In addition, achieveing better results, this might prevent the waste of national resources.