7TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON TECHNOLOGY - ENGINEERING & SCIENCE - Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia (2019-08-08)

Application of Analytical Hierarchy Process for Management of Soil Erosion in Oman
The level of soil degradation worldwide is alarming due to its potential for causing serious problems even to the extent of threatening food security. Sultanate of Oman also faces soil erosion which disturbs waterways, infrastructure, and agriculture. The problem of soil erosion has become increasingly apparent in Oman due to inappropriate land management, especially in the case of dams where sedimentation is a common issue. Currently, there are no appropriate practices followed to overcome the problem of soil erosion in Oman and no specific studies are available related to the suitable methods for soil protection in Oman. Hence, this study is an initiative to overcome the problem of soil erosion in Oman by proposing the best soil erosion protection method using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). In order to achieve this goal, this study reviews different methods of preventing soil erosion and the factors governing their selection. The important and controlling factors were considered in an AHP model to rank the soil erosion protection methods. In the AHP method, a group of experts was formed to identify/modify the soil erosion protection methods and the criteria influencing their selection. After a thorough literature review, a consultation process was conducted with 15 experts from different sectors; including authorities responsible for soil conservation in Oman, decision-making governmental departments and research institutes. The expert advisory group was formed based on the related knowledge background and experience in the field of study, which involved specialists from different organizations. The group comprises managers with duties of performance monitoring and measurement responsibilities, experts from operational levels such as engineers and technicians, academic staff, and consultants. The hierarchy is arranged in such a way that it has three levels. The top level consisted of the goals of the current study. The middle level comprised main criteria including the types and characteristics of soil in Oman (rocky and sandy), the climate of Oman (arid/semi-arid climate) and the cost of the soil protection methods. Meanwhile, the bottom level represents alternatives which involves stone gabions, land husbandry, windbreaks, hollows or pits, soil conditioning, field cropping practices, erosion control fences, treating footpaths, protection of the gully head, reshaping donga systems, revetments, compost blanket, masonry walls and brush layering and brush barrier. The results of AHP analysis indicated that the most suitable soil erosion protection method, based on the considered factors, is erosion control fences followed by protection of the gully head and revetment practice. The study also indicated that the AHP model is a suitable guiding framework for decision making because it involves a group of experts for the selection of soil protection methods based on the situation of Oman.
Dr. Mohammed F.M. Abushammala, Ms. Alia Al-Rahbi, Ms. Wajeeha Qazi