An integrated fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model for determining the interdependencies among the african swine fever spread factors

Abstract

African swine fever (ASF) is a disease outbreak that has substantially impacted agriculture, public health, and food security. This study tackles the lack of knowledge regarding the interactions between multiple factors causing the spread of ASF. We also present a potential for cross-fertilization between applying soft computing to nonmeasurable factors of different natures through investigating the relationships and significance of ASF spread factors in the Philippine setting using Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodologies and fuzzy logic. We develop a list of ASF spread factors through a literature review. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)-VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) is used for the dimensionality reduction of factors. These elements are then classified as either net causes or net effects using the Fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), which also shows their interdependencies. The results show how socioeconomic characteristics, particularly those connected to biosecurity lapses, significantly influence other parameters through a causal graph. This knowledge can be used to develop effective ASF preventive and management methods as it provides a systematic and unbiased decision-making framework for policymakers, breeders, and manufacturers.