Application of multi-criteria decision process in conjunction with a Cellular Automata Markov model for assessment of potential areas for cultivation of non-edible oil plant in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

At present, all countries including Thailand are facing an energy security crisis coupled with food shortages. This is because the demand for energy, which is the fundamental driving factors for all activities, has increased alarmingly. The main raw material is palm oil fruit, which is commonly used in the food industry. Consequently, the increased price of the palm oil fruit is currently occurring. Thus, to sort out this crucial problem, one approach to develop these land areas to alleviate energy problems while reducing conflicts between energy crops and food crops is cultivation by growing Jatropha in areas with problem soil to use as a renewable-energy resource. This research study, therefore, focused on evaluating the potential of the Northeastern region for jatropha cultivation. By applying a multi-criteria decision process in conjunction with a Cellular Automata Markov model, appropriate areas were assessed and prioritized for areas suitable for jatropha cultivation. As a result, it has been possible to predict how the potential areas for jatropha plantation in the future, subsequently, demonstrating the land use expanded from the start area. Especially, these are all areas of low suitability for growing all of cash crops. The authors demonstrated the simulation scenario of Karasin Province cases, helping to reflect the future vision.