Modeling land allocation to produce crops under economic and environmental goals in Iran: a multi-objective programming approach

Abstract

This study introduces a multi-objective programming model for identifying a cropping pattern to evaluate the feasibility of increasing net profit, reducing water use, and diminishing the environmental impacts, simultaneously, under life cycle assessment (LCA). The research uses data collected in 2016-2017 through a survey in the east of the Lorestan Province of Iran. Results indicate that the multi-objective cropping pattern reduces environmental indicators, including water consumption by 1%, global warming potential by 14%, and nonrenewable energy use by 14%, with no change in farms’ net profit compared to the current pattern in the region. The findings reveal that a designed cropping pattern under the constraints and objectives of LCA not only minimizes the environmental impacts, but also considers the stability of the benefits in the long term. However, the currently applied cropping pattern by farmers only focuses on achieving short-term profit-oriented goals. A new approach to land allocation is necessary to produce crops with a reduction in water consumption, non-renewable energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions in the region. In this regard, it is essential to consider the policies that reduce available water and non-renewable resources into government decisions. On the other hand, policy incentives or disincentives, developing support packages of crop pricing, insurance and facilities support to prevent the cultivation of crops with high water demand and fertilizer are also essential. This proposed planning model should be used as the foundation for long-term cropping pattern planning policies in other irrigated and rainfed farming systems around the world.