Land potential evaluation for sustainable local development zoning using analytic hierarchy process-group decision making

Abstract

This study integrated the techniques of analytic hierarchy process-group decision making and geographic information system through the consensus building procedure in order to evaluate the land for sustainable local development zoning. The Lower Num Samun Watershed of Muang District, Nan Province was selected for the case study. In-depth interviews of chief executive and administrative persons of the local administration office, and focus group discussions with village leaders were conducted to determine the category of sustainable local development zone; namely, agro-economic zone, forest conservation zone, and designated areas for historical and cultural tourism. The factors for evaluating the land were set up, including biophysical environment, agricultural production, land property rights, primary tourist attractions, tourism facilities, and infrastructure and transportation. The results showed that 58.02%, 33.93%, and 0.08% of the total land in the study area were categorized as the most suitable for agro-economic zone, forest conservation zone, and designated areas for historical and cultural tourism, respectively.