Quantitative Analysis of Combating Desertification Strategies Using LINMAP Model

In order to increase efficiency and prevent the waste of limited capitals of combating desertification projects, there is always no a way that could consider different criteria, strategies and among them, based on a systematic structure and group perspective, offers the optimal solution. The aim of this study was to present a method to rank the optimal strategies to combat desertification in the Yazd-Khezrabad plain based on Multiple Attribute Decision Making model (MADM) using Linear Programming Techniques for Multidimensional Analysis of Preferences (LINMAP) model. In this method, by finding the Euclidean distance of the strategies with the best strategy, the most preferred strategy was selected. In this regard, the problem was transformed into a linear mathematical model, which after running the model in the LINGO software environment, the weight of each strategy, the distance from the ideal strategy and the ideal strategy were estimated. From a LINMAP evaluation model perspective, based on the preference results of five criteria surveyed including Environmental compatibility (C7), environmental and human resource degradation (C16), specialized human resources (C6), scientific and technological tools (C5) and time (C2), the strategies of vegetation regeneration and rehabilitation " (A23), "prevention of inappropriate land uses change" (A18) and "adjustment in groundwater abstraction" (A31) with a distance of 16.20, 16.22 and 16.35 were selected as the most important strategies to combat desertification in the region, respectively. The results of present study enable the desert managers to utilize limited resources and budget dedicated to control desertification process in a correct and efficient manner. Therefore, the results of the mentioned ranking can increase the success rate of combating desertification and land reclamation projects in the study area.