Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach Research Articles

Mapping of groundwater potential zones of Khordha District using GIS and AHP approaches

The most dependable source of fresh water is groundwater. Groundwater supplies are severely threatened by a number of factors, including urbanization, industrialization, and population growth. The amount, quality and variables affecting groundwater supplies are significantly impacted by climate variability. The fall in groundwater levels is often exacerbated by poor quality surface water resources and unreliable monsoons. Therefore, in order to supplement the groundwater supply, it is important to locate and define the groundwater potential zone (GPZ). The analysis is conducted for the Khordha district, where groundwater rather is a primary source for agricultural uses. In order to determine the possible groundwater zones, many factors, including geomorphology, geology, elevation, slope, precipitation, soil type, soil texture, drainage density (DD), lineament density (LD), Land use/Land cover (LULC), and lineament density (LD), are constructed as separate layers in the geographical information system (GIS) backdrop. The multi-criteria decision-making technique and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which enable pairwise evaluation of criteria impacting the potential zone, were utilized to establish the weights for the different layers and after that, the weighted overlay analysis (WOA) tool in ArcGIS10.8 was used to produce the final groundwater potential map. The output map of specified region was delineated into five new classes-very good, good, moderate, poor, and very poor of which 12% (325.1745 km2) falls under ‘very low’, 22% (603.9765 km2) under ‘low’, 26% (700.7715 km2) under ‘moderate’, 26% (694.2591 km2) under ‘high’, 14% (376.7553 km2) under ‘very high’. Approximately 1395 km2 area concerning 52% of study region, falls under ‘high’ and ‘very high’ categories of GPZ. Validation of the generated GPWZ map was done with data acquired from Central groundwater board. The accuracy assessment was done by kappa coefficient error matrix, and based on overall accuracy, the obtained map was 81.538% accurate to field value. As dependable results were produced with the proposed methodology, future management plans incorporating natural and artificial recharge practices can be created in these locations with effectiveness.

A systematic review of GIS-based and AHP approaches for identifying suitable locations for livestock farms

In modern livestock farming, where efficiency, sustainability, and resource optimization are vital, choosing the right farm location is crucial. This entails a meticulous assessment of environmental, economic, and social factors. Recently, the synergy of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has revolutionized site selection for livestock farms. This study seeks to explore GIS-based and AHP approaches, examining their respective roles and the indicators employed in existing literature related to decisions on livestock farm locations. Our objective is to extract key insights and identify emerging trends from the analysis of case studies and methodologies present in the current body of literature. This comprehensive review not only informs present practices but also serves as a guiding framework for the future of sustainable livestock farming site selection.

A decision model for OTT service users to adopt wireless D2D caching networks: Exploring the Korean case

As many Over-The-Top (OTT) users opt for mobile devices, mobile network traffic surges. However, current mobile communication technology faces difficulties. To provide a stable video content consumption experience to users, reliable alternatives must be found to resolve the limitation of the conventional approach. Accordingly, wireless Device-to-Device (D2D) caching networks have gained attention as a reliable alternative. Considering it can reduce network-related overheads, save related costs, and improve OTT video consumption environment, there is a high possibility that telecommunication operators want to commercialize this technology. To commercialize wireless D2D caching networks, users need to share their resources, such as personal information, smartphone storage, and battery. This study explores the decision-making process of mobile OTT users regarding D2D caching adoption on their mobile devices in Korea. An online survey of 94 respondents was conducted in South Korea. By using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach, this study devised an evaluation model that includes three major factors: perceived benefits, perceived costs, and perceived situational conditions. The results reveal that risks, rather than situational factors and benefits, predominantly influence user intentions and strategies. Streaming video content via mobile data or Wi-Fi is viewed as the most feasible choice. Moreover, users show a preference for pre-downloading video content over adopting wireless D2D caching networks on their mobile devices. The findings provide a guideline for understanding the responses of mobile OTT service users and their priorities in responding to adopting wireless D2D caching networks.

Evaluating Lecturer Performance in Vietnam: An Application of Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS Methods

Higher education is regarded as being of paramount importance in Vietnam and as being essential to raising the level of the country's labor force and promoting economic progress. Evaluation of lecturers is one of the institution's activities and a crucial component of managing human resources in higher education institutions. How to evaluate faculty members' overall performance using a range of criteria is one of the key evaluation-related challenges. This study presents a method that uses fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to assess and rank the performance of lecturers. Specifically, the evaluation framework is developed by identifying criteria and sub-criteria based on a comprehensive review of existing literature. Following that, the fuzzy AHP approach is used to determine the weights of the criteria and sub-criteria using the pairwise comparisons. The Fuzzy TOPSIS approach is employed to assess and prioritize lecturers identified through expert evaluation. When applied in group decision-making, utilizing fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS promotes agreement among decision-makers and diminishes uncertainty in decision-making processes. The utilization of the multiple criterion measurement approach can then be used to carry out the evaluation. The suggested framework is also demonstrated via a case study. The use of this framework can improve the evaluation's objectivity, accuracy, and scientific methodology. It is believed that this work will assist managers of higher education institutions improve their standards for educational quality.

Examining the role of digitalization and technological innovation in promoting sustainable natural resource exploitation

In the era of technological advancement, the potential of digitalization and technical innovation to revolutionize sustainable resource exploitation has become a focal point. The promises of reduced environmental impact, heightened efficiency, and improved socio-economic outcomes underscore the transformative power that digitalization holds for resource management. To this extent, the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy VIsekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) methods are used to examine challenges and come up with possible solutions for the mining sector in Pakistan to adopt digital transformation. The study identifies several key challenges, sub-challenges, and strategies, giving readers a thorough grasp of digital transformation. These challenges and sub-challenges are evaluated and ranked according to their relative weights using the fuzzy AHP approach. The fuzzy VIKOR method is applied to determine strategies that can help overcome these challenges and promote digitalization and technological innovation in the sustainable exploitation of natural resources. The results of fuzzy AHP show that policy and regulation, infrastructure, and human capital are key challenges. The findings of fuzzy VIKOR indicate that robust policy development, investment in Research and Development (R&D), and leveraging global trends and partnerships are key strategies to overcome the challenges. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, offering new perspectives on integrating digital technology into the natural resource sector to foster sustainable development.

Heavy Equipment Workforce Planning: An Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach for Local Worker Composition Regulation Compliance – A Coal Company Case Study

The Newcastle Coal Price surge, currently at $457.80 in September 2022, drives coal companies, like one in East Kutai, to ramp up production by acquiring equipment and operators. However, compliance with Kutai East Region Regulation No 1 of 2022, requiring an 80% local workforce, complicates operator recruitment. This study aids management in selecting operator compositions in line with stakeholder expectations and regulations. Employing Problem Tree Analysis, Value-Focused Thinking, and Stakeholder Analysis, key challenges and alternative strategies were identified. Analyzing five options via the Analytic Hierarchy Process, the optimal choice, 100% skilled non-local operators, conflicts with regulation, necessitating negotiation for a suitable compromise. The fourth option, with adjusted operator compositions over time, emerges as the most viable solution. Implementation planning, utilizing the 5W+1H method, is crucial for addressing stakeholder concerns, ensuring compliance, reducing unemployment, and enhancing welfare. This research offers a framework for fulfilling operator qualifications while meeting stakeholder interests through strategic planning and negotiation.

Using Analytical Hierarchy Process for Medical Equipment Maintenance and Replacement Decision in Malaysia Private Hospitals

Medical equipment is any instrument, appliance, software, or material intended by the manufacturer to be used, alone or in combination for medical purpose. Further, medical equipment maintenance and replacement is a challenging procedure, especially for high-end equipment. This topic has been a long debate as the equipment will increase undesirable failure; where an early maintenance or replacement will result in high investment costs and premature disposal and late maintenance or replacement will lead to malfunctions that can pose serious risks to patient safety and healthcare operations. However, hospitals are unable to decide whether to maintain or replace the equipment especially when the equipment reaches its life and has a high repair cost. A few studies were conducted on the same research topic, but most of the findings emphasized maintenance and replacement methods rather than the criteria contributing to the decision. The criteria to maintain or replace medical equipment play an essential role to ensure the equipment is operating cost-effectively. Hence, the objective of this research is to apply Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach to prioritize important criteria that influence decision-makers to decide whether to maintain or replace medical equipment. Some of potential criteria for the decision-making include maintenance cost, support, and regulatory compliance. This research utilized a mixed method approach to gather preliminary data from medical equipment experts and surveys to prioritize the criteria. Findings suggested a list of criteria that are influenced in decision-making to maintain or replace the medical equipment. The prioritization of the criteria reveals the downtime, life cycle cost and beyond economical repair (BER) to be the most important criteria.

VFT and AHP Approach to Selecting the Best Option in Decision-Making at PLN: A Case Study in the Cawang-Gandul Project

PLN EIC is one of PLN’s business units and is responsible for the development of electrical infrastructure in the working area of DKI Jakarta, Banten Province, and its surroundings. One of the national strategic projects included in the PLN is the 500 kV Cawang Baru II/Cililitan-Gandul transmission line project, with a COD target of 2026. The delay in the completion of this project and the non-fulfillment of stakeholders’ expectations will certainly have a broad impact on the operation of the electricity system, the impact on PLN’s financial performance, the social impact, the environmental impact, as well as the direct impact on the performance and image of PLN EIC. This research aims to assist management in making decisions related to the best transmission line design for the Cawang-Gandul project so that project completion can be on time and in accordance with stakeholder expectations. In this research, several methodological approaches were used to gain a broader and more complete understanding. The Problem Tree Analysis approach, combined with brainstorming and structured interview techniques, was used to explore business issues. Two complementary approaches, namely Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) and the Stakeholder Analysis method, are used to formulate stakeholder expectations and will become guidelines for formulating alternative strategies. Using a structured interview technique, 4 alternative strategies were formulated in the form of the transmission line design, namely (1) Compact Lattice Tower, (2) Underground Cable, (3) Combine Design (Compact Lattice Tower + Underground Cable), and (4) Steel Pole Tower. The next methodological approach uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the best transmission line design, which is then analyzed using AHP Super Decision software. The results of this research show that the Underground Cable design is the best design alternative that can be implemented in the Cawang-Gandul project with several advantages, namely minimal social conflict, easy implementation, and a relatively faster work process. The final stage of research is to make an implementation plan.

Assessment of flood risk in Söğütlü stream watershed of Trabzon province in Turkey using geographic information systems and analytic hierarchy process approach

AbstractFloods are significant natural disasters that have wide-ranging social, economic, and environmental consequences on a global scale. They lead to land degradation and increased erosion, which in turn negatively impacts water quality. In the present study, the Söğütlü stream watershed in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey was chosen as the study area to create a flood risk map using Analytical Hierarchy Process and Weighted Overlay tools in the ArcGIS. The raster maps, including soil type, rainfall, landuse, slope, aspect, elevation, and distance to the stream, were utilized as the foundation for the analysis. The flood risk map generated from this analysis reveals five risk zones that is very high, high, moderate, low, and very low-risk zones. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the obtained data. The study results indicate that low and moderate areas encompass 95.98% of the watershed, while high-risk and very high-risk areas account for 4.02% of the watershed in the flood risk map of the Söğütlü watershed. It was observed that areas in close proximity to rivers, low slope end elevation were more susceptible to flooding. This study is great importance as it allows for the development of preventive, preparatory, and post-disaster plans before flood events occur by providing a flood risk map. Moreover, the creation of a flood risk map at the watershed scale helps planners in undertaking soil and water conservation efforts during watershed planning.

Bridging the knowledge gap of restaurant DINESERV attraction attributes between customer expectations and restaurateur priority ranking

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore and reveal the perception gap of restaurant attraction attributes between customers’ expectations and restaurateurs’ prioritization in casual and fine dining Korean table d’hôte restaurants. This study surveys the 16 critical restaurant attributes for restaurant visiting customers and restaurateurs. And, we employ the integrated importance-performance analysis (IPA) and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) approaches by setting the customers’ importance and the restaurateurs’ priority ranking for restaurant attributes as vertical and horizontal axes, respectively. The results of integrated IPA-FAHP suggested that most of the restaurant attributes were situated in the “Pairwise Harmonic Zone,” indicating that the customers’ importance and restaurateurs’ priorities were in agreement. Conversely, the attributes such as “restaurant ambience” and “restaurant sanitation and cleanliness” placed a relatively lower restaurateurs’ priority compared to high customers’ expectations. Casual and fine dining restaurants have different restaurant attraction attributes and operating strategies. Restaurateurs require operating initiatives and leverage strategies tailored to their characteristics to maximize operational efficiency. This study is a first attempt to bridge the perception gap of restaurant attraction attributes between expectation and priority ranking by using integrated IPA-FAHP approaches. We provide restaurant operating guidelines combining both customers’ and restaurateurs’ perspectives on restaurant attributes.

Strategy of Productive Waqf Utilization as a Medium for Food Security in Indonesia: An AHP Approach

This study aims to determine the problems that exist in the use of waqf as a medium for food security in Indonesia and the priority solutions for the use of productive waqf as a medium for food security in Indonesia in terms of institutional, infrastructure, financial, community and government aspects. this is the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This study used seven expert respondents representing academics, practitioners and regulators who were asked to assess the problems and solutions for the use of productive waqf as a medium for food security in Indonesia. Based on the opinion of respondents, the biggest problem in the use of productive waqf as a medium for food security in Indonesia is the lack of socialization to the public regarding productive waqf as a medium for food security. The priority solutions in this research are waqf institutions and the government need to collaborate in implementing productive waqf utilization as a medium for food security in Indonesia. Furthermore, in general the aspect that is considered the most problematic is the government aspect, while the priority for solutions is the institutional aspect. Therefore, in the use of productive waqf as a medium for food security in Indonesia, the public needs to increase their understanding of productive waqf as a medium for food security, the government needs to collaborate with waqf institutions and farmer groups as well as waqf institutions need to improve their professionalism.

Woven fabric selection and grading for ladies’ winter shawls using multicriteria decision-making approach

Purpose Quality assessment of textile products is of prime concern to intimately meet consumer demands. The dilemma faced by textile producers is to figure out the stability among quality criteria and efficiently deal with target specifications. Hence, the basic devotion is to attain the optimum value product which entirely satisfies the views and perceptions of consumers. Selection of best fabric among several alternatives in the presence of contradictory measures is a disputing problem in multicriteria decision-making. Design/methodology/approach In the current study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) are proficiently used to solve the problem in selection of branded woven shawls. AHP method verifies comparative weights of the criteria selection, while the ranking of fabric alternatives grounded on specific net-outranking flows is executed through PROMETHEE II method. Findings The collective AHP and PROMETHEE approaches are applied for the useful accomplishment of grading of branded shawls based on multicriteria weights, used for effective selection of fabric materials in the textile market. Practical implications In the apparel industry, fabric and garment manufacturers often rely on hit-and-trial methods, leading to significant wastage of valuable resources and time, in achieving the desirable fabric qualities. The implementation of the findings can assist apparel manufacturers in streamlining their fabric selection processes based on multiple criteria. By adopting this method, industry players can make informed decisions, ensuring a balance between quality standards and consumer expectations, thereby enhancing both product value and market competitiveness. Originality/value The methods of Visual PROMETHEE and AHP are assimilated to offer a complete method for the selection and grading of fabrics with reference to multiple selection criteria.

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

To sustain a competitive edge amidst the dynamic nature of the current market and evolving technological landscape, manufacturing enterprises must ensure that their organizational resources, capabilities, and innovation procedures are optimized. In the manufacturing sector, innovators are known to earn twice as much as their less innovative counterparts, demonstrating the criticality of innovation. On that basis, this study used the RCO technique, which is an integrated approach to sustainable competitive advantage that focuses on resources, capabilities, and open innovation of the organization to improve decisions that lead to a lasting competitive advantage in a developing country. In addition, this study applied an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach for data analysis in calibrating the actual application of sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) in a company, especially in developing economies. The study results indicate that possessing valuable organizational resources necessitates adding distinctive capabilities to generate innovations that effectively contribute to attaining organizational objectives, specifically SCA. Moreover, through the utilization of positive knowledge ingress and outflow, open innovation is considered the industry eye of a business organization, with the purpose of accelerating innovation within the organization and expanding the market for innovations’ internal and external applications. In conclusion, an integrated model for sustainable competitive advantage, which is vital to the long-term growth and sustenance of businesses, was devised as a result of this study.

Analyzing the relationship between natural resource management, environmental protection, and agricultural economics for sustainable development in China

Sustainable development is crucial for achieving a balance between economic growth, social well-being, and environmental preservation. This study aims to evaluate the dimensions of natural resource management, environmental protection, and agricultural economics for promoting sustainable development in China. In this regard, the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) approaches are used for the analysis. The hybrid approach combines the benefits of fuzzy logic and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, allowing for the consideration of uncertainties and imprecise data in decision-making. The study incorporates six criteria, twenty-four sub-criteria, and five strategies in a comprehensive evaluation framework. According to the results obtained using the fuzzy AHP method, it is evident that the primary criteria influencing sustainable development in China are economic viability, policy and governance, and environmental impact. Within these criteria, specific sub-criteria such as cost-effectiveness, policy alignment, air quality, and social inclusion emerge as key areas of focus. Furthermore, the results of the fuzzy VIKOR method show that investing in research and innovation, strengthening environmental regulations, and strengthening climate change adaptation are the most suited strategies to guide sustainable development efforts. To ensure sustainable development in China, policymakers need to give importance to implementing strategies stressing research and innovation, strengthened environmental regulations, and enhanced climate change adaptation.

An integrated multicriteria decision making framework for the selection of waste cement dust filled automotive brake friction composites

This work discusses selecting optimal brake friction composite alternatives based on an integrated MABAC (multi-attributive border approximation area comparison) and AHP (analytic hierarchy process) approach. Therefore, non-asbestos automotive brake friction composites containing varying proportions of cement dust (50 to 0 wt%) and barium sulfate (0 to 50 wt%) were developed and tribo-evaluated on a Krauss machine following European regulations. Composite made up of 30 wt% cement dust and 20 wt% barium sulfate had the highest friction coefficient (0.361), lowest variability coefficient (0.598), and maximum recovery (123.27%). The composite with the least fading (15.36%) included 50 wt% cement dust, whereas the composite with the lowest wear (9.10 g) and the least frictional fluctuations (0.271) contained 50 wt% barium sulfate. By AHP, the friction coefficient (0.1989), fade (0.1696), recovery (0.1551), and wear (0.1412) were selected as the essential criteria in the performance assessment. Based on the MABAC ranking evaluation, the composite comprises 20 wt% barium sulfate and 30 wt% cement dust has the best tribological profile, whereas the composites of solely cement dust or barium sulfate have the poorest tribological profile. The acquired ranking results were confirmed using other decision-making models and subjected to sensitivity analysis to demonstrate their robustness.

Strategi Pengembangan Yayasan Seri Amal Pasca Pandemi Covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated profound changes in the field of education, triggering a shift from conventional to online learning. This research delves into the impact of the implementation of online learning systems on students' academic performance in two high schools, namely SMA Putri Cahaya Medan and SMA Santo Petrus Sidikalang, under the auspices of the Yayasan Seri Amal. Through biplot analysis and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach, this study identifies patterns of changes in student grades and develops strategic school development strategies. The findings indicate that although there have been no significant changes in student grades, development strategies focused on staff training, improvement of facilities and technology, and external collaborations—especially with alumni and relevant institutions—are key to maintaining competitiveness and enhancing the quality of education. The conclusions and recommendations of this research provide guidance for school management and stakeholders to design adaptive strategic measures amid the evolving dynamics of education.

Supplier Selection Modeling and Analysis in the Metal Casting Industry Using Analytical Hierarchy Process

This study presents a supplier selection problem of a raw material using an analytical hierarchy process. In the existing process, the delivery of raw materials experienced delays and impacted the production process. Therefore, this paper aims to determine the criteria for supplier selection and provide recommendations for the best vendor to be selected from the last request for quotation document. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), as a multi-criteria approach, was utilized in this research, starting from determining criteria, the weight of criteria, and the final score for each supplier. Through discussions with the company’s expert, procurement department, and users, as well as a review of the previous studies, this research defined three criteria, each consisting of three sub-criteria. The AHP approach was utilized to evaluate and determine the weights for the three criteria, yielding the following results: quality (62%), price (28%), and delivery (10%). The identified criteria, sub-criteria, and respective weights are subsequently utilized in a supplier selection scenario. Three suppliers of mild steel raw materials were evaluated using the weights of the criteria and sub-criteria obtained. Supplier 1 was selected because of having the higher alternative value of 0.602. The use of AHP in supplier selection is often impractical and contains subjectivity. Therefore, further research can be performed by integrating AHP with other methods, such as weighted scoring, to facilitate further the vendor selection process and integration with other methods, such as fuzzy logic, to reduce subjectivity.

Investigation of port intervention to coastal and nearshore dynamics: a GIS and AHP approach.

The goal of the study was attempted to understand the impact of selected ports on the coastal and nearshore dynamics. Dwelling activities along the coastal zone were particularly high in the last two decades. Hence, ports constructed between 2000 and 2022 such as Mundra, Hazira, Karaikal, Krishnapatnam, Gangavaram, and Gopalpur were considered for the study. The land and shore dynamics were assessed prior and after their construction. The landward impact was identified by the changes in LULC, and the dynamics of coastal sediments were assessed from numerical model before and after the ports' construction. The highly impacted land and shore features were used in analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to assess the extent of their impact due to port construction. The extent of impacts was indicated as "criteria weight (CW)" expressed as percentage. Village-wise local sensitivity analysis (LSA) of the port environs due to port activities was also assessed with six parameters such as changes in LULC, cyclone, population, road network, cultural heritage site and shore stability based on their influence on the coast on case-by-case basis using AHP. The obtained influence of the impact of these parameters was used to determine the category of local sensitivity of the adjacent villages around the ports. For effective management planning, the LSA was classified into five classes, namely, very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. Villages categorized with different sensitivities can be attempted for suitable management plans and similar studies can be attempted for all villages impacted by port interventions.

Proposed A Design Performance Management System By Using Knowledge-Based Performance Management System Framework At PT. Marjaya Utama Wisata

Indonesia's tourism sector was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 56% drop in its contribution to the country's GDP (Gross et al.). However, the sector has significantly recovered, with foreign tourist arrivals increasing 119.64% in June 2023 compared to the previous year. In response to this phenomenon, service providers, such as Performance Management Systems (PMS), must implement effective strategies to maximise their potential. PT. Marjaya Utama Wisata (Marjaya Trans), a travel agency based in Bandung, experienced significant growth but experienced fluctuations in revenue and experienced losses in some years. Designing a comprehensive performance management system was necessary to deal with these problems. This research proposes a proposed performance management system using the KBPMS framework. The proposed model was developed by combining a literature review and a case study approach from previous studies applied to the same industry. The analysis was conducted using a qualitative approach and multicriteria decision-making using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach from the management ranks in the company. This research proposes KBPMS with 19 key performance indicators (KPIs) derived from vision, mission, strategy, business processes, and discussions between researchers and the company. From each aspect of the KBPMS, a priority order is generated from the AHP method to see which indicators have a high priority according to the company's management. It is expected that the application of the designed performance management system model can help the company achieve its goals. The development of this model is still in a stage that needs to be further developed. Evaluation and improvement of PMS implementation will be planned on a long-term basis

Spatiotemporal changes of desertification degree in the Algerian green barrier over the last four decades (1984–2020)

Desertification is a major challenge for the sustainable development of arid and semiarid regions worldwide. The major novelty of this study lies in assessing, for the first time, the desertification degree changes in the Algerian green barrier using remote sensing and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach from 1984 through 2020. Four widely used remote sensing indices (LSA, NDVI, TGSI, and PDSI) were used in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform as indicators of desertification in the study area. The results of the accuracy assessment of the generated desertification degree maps for 1984, 2000, and 2020 show high Kappa coefficient values exceeding 80%. Overall, the degree of desertification of the green barrier increased from 1984 to 2020. The area of medium degree has decreased from 15393.21 km2 (37.70%) to 9624.43 km2 (23.57%) between 1984 and 2020, respectively; whereas the area of high degree has increased from 23907.08 km2 (58.55%) to 30502.52 km2 (74.70%) for the same period. The combination of remote sensing and the AHP technique has proven to be effective in the spatiotemporal monitoring of the desertification degree particularly in data–scarce regions. Our findings emphasize the high expansion of desertification across the green barrier area, which information is essential for adopting adequate strategies for desertification control in the future.