Evaluation of Combat Desertification Alternatives by Using Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) (Case study of Khezerabad region in Yazd Province)

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.