Multi-Criteria Evaluation Of Locations For Irrigation System Implementation(Dagger)

The aim of this paper is to compare and rank three possible locations for the construction of an irrigation system in different parts of Croatia. The need for this kind of research stems from the high investment costs of the irrigation system and possible long-term negative consequences of an incorrectly selected location. This paper applies a multi-criteria method of business decision making and ranking-the analytical hierarchy process. The overall rating of the locations was obtained from six partial grades in the following criteria: drought risk level, plant production structure at a selected location, suitability of the land for irrigation, investment costs of irrigation system per unit area, presence of young farmers and unemployment rate. The best option for the construction of an irrigation system is location 1 in Istria County, primarily because of the favourable structure of plant production with a high share of labour-intensive crops, characterized by a favourable ratio of additional revenue and costs in irrigation conditions. (c) 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.