Identification of areas exposed to land use conflict with the use of multiple-criteria decision-making methods

Abstract

The article discusses the possibility of spatial analyses based on specific conditions that contribute to land use conflict, which is defined as opposition against different views and intentions concerning land use. A procedure for conducting such assessments has been proposed. Attributes that can promote land use conflict under specific conditions of varied intensity were identified based on expert opinions and literature data. The values of the identified attributes were calculated based on indicators that are commonly used in such analyses as well as indicators that were developed specifically for the needs of the study. The analytical procedure was developed with the use of multiple-criteria decision-making methods, including the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), to differentiate the significance of spatial attributes for the studied phenomenon and to determine the values of the self-designed index of potential drivers of land use conflict DK. The study area was the rural municipality of Jonkowo in Olsztyn county, Region of Warmia and Mazury in Poland. The index of potential drivers of land use conflict DK was applied to assess the intensity of factors that drive land use conflict based on the values of the analyzed attributes. The proposed index can be used to identify territorial units where land management processes should be conducted with utmost caution based on sound spatial planning decisions and social participation.