A review of multi-criteria optimization techniques for agricultural land use allocation. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kaim, Andrea; Cord, Anna F.; Volk, Martin
• Is Part Of: Environmental modelling & software. Volume 105(2018)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Agricultural land use allocation -- Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) -- Multi-criteria optimization -- Stakeholder integration -- Trade-off analysis -- Constraint handling; Environmental monitoring -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Computer simulation -- Periodicals; Digital computer simulation -- Periodicals; Computer software -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Computer Simulation -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Surveillance -- Logiciels -- Périodiques; Écologie -- Simulation, Méthodes de -- Périodiques; Simulation par ordinateur -- Périodiques; Logiciels -- Périodiques; Computer software; Digital computer simulation; Ecology -- Computer simulation; Environmental monitoring -- Computer programs; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70015118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2018.03.031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-8152

Abstract

Abstract: Optimal land use allocation with the intention of ecosystem services provision and biodiversity conservation is one of the key challenges in agricultural management. Optimization techniques have been especially prevalent for solving land use problems; however, there is no guideline supporting the selection of an appropriate method. To enhance the applicability of optimization techniques for real-world case studies, this study provides an overview of optimization methods used for targeting land use decisions in agricultural areas. We explore their relative abilities for the integration of stakeholders and the identification of ecosystem service trade-offs since these are especially pertinent to land use planners. Finally, we provide recommendations for the use of the different optimization methods. For example, scalarization methods (e.g., reference point methods, tabu search) are particularly useful for a priori or interactive stakeholder integration; whereas Pareto-based approaches (e.g., evolutionary algorithms) are appropriate for trade-off analyses and a posteriori stakeholder involvement. Highlights: We present a review of optimization techniques for land use allocation problems. The review also considers constraint handling for the different methods. A structured guideline for selecting appropriate optimization methods is proposed. This guideline includes the moment of stakeholder integration and trade-off analysis.