Strategic Analysis of the Fermeshgan Watershed Using the Integrated SWOT-AHP Model: An Applied Approach to Sustainable Natural Resource Management

Authors
roya ghahremani 1
reza ghazavi 2
morad darabi 3
rooya ahmadi 1
1 Ph.D. in Watershed Science and Engineering, Soil and Water Conservation, Department of Natural Resources Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, University of Kashan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Natural Resources Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, University of Kashan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Ph.D. in Watershed Science and Engineering, Soil and Water Conservation, Department of Natural Resources Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, University of Yazd, Iran
10.22034/wmji.2025.2055297.1103
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of internal and external factors affecting the Fermeshkan Watershed, located in Kavar County, Fars Province, with the objective of formulating actionable strategies for sustainable natural resource management. Within this framework, influential factors—including vegetation cover status, soil erosion, and land use patterns—were identified, and the integrated SWOT-AHP model was employed to prioritize and develop effective watershed management strategies. The combined SWOT-AHP approach was utilized as a decision-making tool. Initially, through SWOT analysis, the watershed’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were identified and categorized. Given the multi-criteria nature of the research problem and its hierarchical structure, the overall objective, criteria, and associated sub-criteria were first defined. Subsequently, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to determine the relative weight and importance of each component. For data collection, pairwise comparison matrices for each component and group were developed and completed based on the expert opinions of fifteen professionals from the Department of Natural Resources. The results indicated that the "Strengths" group ranked first with a weight of 0.463, followed by the "Opportunities" group with a weight of 0.221, the "Threats" group with a weight of 0.176, and finally the "Weaknesses" group with a weight of 0.141. According to the SWOT-AHP approach, the most significant sub-criterion identified in the watershed was the diversity of plant species in creating complementary capacities, which falls under the Strengths category and held the highest final weight of 0.10. The findings of this study can serve as a practical foundation for decision-making in similar watersheds and play a critical role in formulating operational plans for natural resource management and mitigating the adverse impacts of unsustainable exploitation.
The results indicated that the strengths group ranked first with a weight of 0.463, followed by opportunities (0.221), threats (0.176), and weaknesses (0.141). According to the SWOT-AHP approach, the most significant sub-criterion identified in the watershed was the diversity of plant species, which contributes to complementary capacities within the strengths category and had the highest final weight of 0.1.
Overall, implementing the SWOT-AHP method plays a crucial role in formulating a comprehensive strategic plan for watershed management. This approach maximizes the utilization of existing opportunities while effectively addressing challenges that may threaten the sustainable development of this sector.
Keywords
Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
Criteria Prioritization
Environmental Planning
Watershed Management
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