Application of fuzzy analytical hierarchy process for assessment of desertification sensitive areas in North West of Morocco

An updated assessment of land sensitivity to desertification is essential for comprehensive planning and preparation of action plans. In this study, modified Mediterranean desertification and land use (MEDALUS) method by employing a fuzzy inference system in a GIS environment was used to identify environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) to desertification in the Drader basin in Morocco. Anthropogenic and Biophysical parameters (17 parameters) have been integrated and processed by geographic information systems obtaining climate, water, soil, vegetation and land management quality indexes. The weights for indicators and parameters involved in land desertification were calculated by using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Then, a fuzzy inference system was employed to create a map for each indexes and ESA map for the study area. The results showed that, fragile and critical areas represent 58% and 2% respectively, while about 21% of the area belongs to the potential areas. The critical areas are primarily characterized by low degree of plant cover, low erosion resistance and low management quality. However, the results revealed that Integrating MCDM-GIS and fuzzy logic in MEDALUS has improved the ability to classify the sensitive areas to desertification at regional scale. The ESA maps have potential as decision tools to prepare and respond to ESAs and causes of land degradation, as such contributing to national climate action and disaster risk reduction sustainable development goals (goals 13 and 15, respectively).