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

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.

Multi‐criteria evaluation of locations for irrigation system implementation*

“…Karleuša et al . (2019) cite examples of MCDM application for solving various types of water management problems; Duckstein et al . (1994), Raju and Pillai (1999) and Sun et al .…”

“…Accordingly, MCDMs were also used to evaluate water management issues. Karleuša et al (2019) cite examples of MCDM application for solving various types of water management problems; Duckstein et al (1994), Raju and Pillai (1999) and Sun et al (2017) used it for ranking and selection of water management strategies; Salgado et al (2009) and Sapkota et al (2018) evaluated alternatives of water supply systems and Afify (2010) estimated desalination procedures for drinking water production. Assefa et al (2018) combined the MCDM technique with a geographic information system (GIS) to assess potentially irrigable areas.…”

AHP as a Useful Tool in the Assessment of the Technical Condition of Hydrotechnical Constructions

“…It is a tool that supports the decision-making process. The AHP application in the world of science is very broad [72][73][74]. Furthermore, with regard to aspects related to rivers and their water management, several attempts have been made to implement this method to choose the right solution to the problem.…”

Developing Irrigation Management at District Scale Based on Water Monitoring: Study on Lis Valley, Portugal

“…From the study, the following future research topics are presented: (i) A framework to develop irrigation management operational plans, based on monitoring, simulation, and forecasting tools to integrate multiple information, and to provide water demand and supply data to operate the conveyance system [60,61]. Thus, monitoring information, such as collective network performance, water quality, crop mapping, and water use conditions and economics, could be applied in a timely manner to system management, for improved water management, and better conveyance distribution, especially in times of scarcity and cost reductions, according to WUA's objective [62,63].…”