The Application of Multi-Criteria Analysis Methods for the Determination of Priorities in the Implementation of Irrigation Plans

Barbara Karleuša,Andreja Hajdinger,Lidija Tadić

doi:10.3390/w11030501

Barbara Karleuša, Andreja Hajdinger + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/w11030501

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Journal: Water	Publication Date: Mar 10, 2019
Citations: 24	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Rijeka, University of Osijek

Abstract

Irrigated agriculture has considerable impacts on the environment. To minimize negative effects and maximize positive effects, it is necessary to provide comprehensive analyses beyond the strictly technical domain. In this study, we apply a methodology for determining priorities in implementing irrigation plans using multi-criteria analysis methods on a specific case study area in the sub-catchment area of the Orljava River in Požega–Slavonia County, Croatia. Five potential irrigation areas (Orljava–Londža, Pleternica, Ovčare, Treštanovci, and Venje–Hrnjevac) were analyzed according to five selected criteria: environmental protection, water-related (four sub-criteria), social, economic, and time criteria with different criteria importance (weight). The aim of this study was to confirm the adequacy of using six multi-criteria analysis (MCA) methods (mostly used: PROMETHEE, AHP, ELECTRE TRI, and the less used: DEXi, PRIME, and PCA) in determining priorities for fulfilling irrigation plans, present models for preparation of the input data, apply certain methods, and compare the results on the selected case study area. The methods’ adequacy was confirmed during the research. Five of the six MCA methods identified the Ovčare area as the most appropriate for irrigation development (i.e., it has priority in implementing the irrigation plan). According to one (AHP) of the six methods, Orljava–Londža has more advantages over other areas. All MCA methods, except PCA, chose Venje–Hrnjevac as the least advisable (last to be implemented) alternative. Conclusions from this research confirm findings from recently published research regarding the application of MCA on water management problems.

Highlights

Irrigated agricultural land comprises more than 250 million hectares all over the world, and is essential for ensuring food security and stimulating rural socio-economic development [1]
Venje–Hrnjevac was the worst alternative that should to be implemented followed by Orljava–Londža, Treštanovci, Pleternica
The application of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was performed in two ways, the first using the direct assessment of each alternative by each criterion and each criterion in regard to the goal, and second by using pairwise comparison of criteria and alternatives

Summary

Introduction

Irrigated agricultural land comprises more than 250 million hectares all over the world, and is essential for ensuring food security and stimulating rural socio-economic development [1]. This land’s impact on water resources, soil, and the environment in general is unquestionable. Making decisions regarding the implementation of water management plans as irrigation system plans is a complex task due to the multiple objectives that must be satisfied, different and numerous criteria (economic, social, and environmental) and different measures (quantitative and qualitative) are used for objective fulfillment assessment with the involvement of multiple stakeholders [2,3].

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