Ranking Effective Desertification Indices using TOPSIS and Analytic Hierarchy Process (Case Study: Kashan Region)

It is very difficult to assess desertification and criteria and indices are considered as key tools to measure the destruction. Evaluate the most effective desertification indices assessment and determination of their priorities and importance using systematic methods including Attribute Decision Making can increase the efficiency of controlling projects and, reclamation of disturbed lands, and also to avoiding investment wasting. Therefore, in this study TOPSIS and Analytic Hierarchy Process algorithm were used to determine the most effective indices and ranking their priorities and importance. The first, based on previous study in Iran and other parts of the world, 32 of effective indices on desertification were selected and weighted by relevant experts via questionnaires. Using Shannon entropy model suitable criteria for evaluating the indices were weighted, and then the most effective factors to assess desertification were determined and weighted by TOPSIS algorithm and Analytic Hierarchy Process respectively. The results showed that the criteria of sensitivity to minor changes and cost and time with the weight of 0.341 and 0.111 have the highest and the least importance among the studied criteria respectively. Among 32 ranked indices, 20 indices were determined as the most effective indices on desertification. The indices of annual rain fall, salinity, vegetation cover have the highest importance respectively. Also the results showed that indices of land use changes and annual rainfall with the weight of 0.217 and 0.166 have the highest priorities between human and natural indices respectively; so they should be prioritized in management and combat to desertification.