Title: An application of land suitability evaluation for FTDP: a fuzzy MCDM approach

Authors: Ibrahim Chaddad, Chen Bao Feng, Majdi AL-Husni, Ren Jin Zhen

Addresses: College of Economics & Management, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. ' College of Economics & Management, China Agriculture University, Beijing, China. ' College of Economics & Management, China Agriculture University, Beijing, China. ' College of Economics & Management, China Agriculture University, Beijing, China

Abstract: The main objective of this paper is to carry out Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) to arrive at the best alternative by accounting for uncertainties and spatial variability in the various elements. The present paper focuses on addressing uncertainty in the process of land suitability evaluation for horticultural projects area (mountains area in Syria). In this context, both fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS methods are applicable in determining agricultural land-use priorities and can be used in the planning process. Setting priorities or ranking agricultural land use (by area) is a complex task in the frame of sustainable development. All the methodologies are implemented to analyse the suitability of the horticultural crop in different areas in Syria.

Keywords: MCDM; multicriteria decision making; analytical hierarchy process; fuzzy AHP; TOPSIS; land suitability; fuzzy sets; fuzzy logic; uncertainty; spatial variability; horticultural projects; horticulture; Syria; sustainable development; sustainability; fruit trees.

DOI: 10.1504/IJACMSD.2009.030660

International Journal of Arab Culture, Management and Sustainable Development, 2009 Vol.1 No.2, pp.160 - 176

Published online: 30 Dec 2009 *

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