Design and implementation of a Decision Support Tool to assist the ranking of fossil-energy-free technologies and strategies for a given farm

Abstract

The main objective of the AgroFossilFree Horizon2020 project is to create a framework under which all core stakeholders can cooperate to evaluate and promote the currently available fossil-energy-free technologies and strategies (FEFTS) in EU agriculture in a cost efficient manner. AgroFossilFree has implemented an online and interactive approach to communication, interaction and knowledge sharing and exchanging through the use of a specifically designed ICT tool, the “AgEnergy Platform”, which deploys the collected information and knowledge on FEFTS in the form of easily accessible end-user material facilitating searching through the use of filters. Still, the question remains of how can you choose which one is the most appropriate one or the most cost-effective one for each farm. The answer to that in reality comes after a detailed study on a per farm basis. An intermediate level was developed to bridge these two extremes, that can provide a first insight on which FEFTS probably suits best to each farm using minimal user inputs. This Decision Support Tool (DST) based on Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, is integrated seamlessly within the AgroFossilFree platform and allows users to get a ranking of the technologies most suitable for their farm. Essentially, the DST mimics the consultation process of a number of experts if these experts were in the same room evaluating the input data provided by the end-user to propose the most effective action. This paper presents the theory, development steps undertaken and the final implementation of this DST in the AgroFossilFree website. The approach undertaken can be replicated to increase the functionality of other comparable platforms in the Agricultural sector and beyond.