Application of Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) in Analyzing Obstacles to Combat Desertification with Pathological Approach in Yazd Province

Addressing the issue of desertification due to the multi-criteria nature, increasing development, extensive and long-term, and the simultaneous impact of land resources and human populations is necessary to achieve sustainable development. On the other hand, despite the implementation of various plans to combat desertification in the country, due to the existence of numerous obstacles and interaction between these obstacles, these programs have not been able to make much progress in this area. Therefore, this study was conducted as a case study in Yazd province to analyze obstacles to combating desertification.

For this purpose, the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method was used. In this method, effective obstacles were first identified through the study of theoretical foundations and the Delphi technique with the participation of 30 field experts. Then, using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) analysis, the relationships between obstacles were determined and analyzed in an integrated manner. Finally, using the MICMAC method, effective obstacles were analyzed according to the impact and effectiveness on other obstacles.

The results of the analysis showed that there are no obstacles in the link group that indicates strong influence and dependence. At the same time, it was observed that the obstacles of "inappropriate conversion and change of land use" (C31) with a driving force of 10 and "multiplicity of policy centers and lack of interaction between them" (C6) with a driving force of 9, have a highest influence. and three obstacles of " general ignorance about the destruction of environment, new methods and knowledge of day " (C1), " absence of comprehensive desertification control schemes " (C2) and "lack of specialized and trained manpower" (C11) are also jointly located in the stimulus or Influential area with the driving force of 8 and are among the main obstacles to achieving the goals of the implementation of combating desertification projects.

Therefore, paying attention to the analysis of effective obstacles among a wide range of obstacles to combat desertification can quickly improve the unfavorable conditions and create sustainable structural changes in the process of combat desertification. accordingly, it is suggested that the obtained results be taken into consideration in the plans of combating desertification to preventing the waste of national capital.