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A fuzzy logic-based tool to assess beef cattle ranching sustainability in complex environmental systems
Sandra A Santos1, Helano Póvoas de Lima2, Silvia M F S Massruhá2
1Embrapa Pantanal, Caixa Postal 109, 79320-900, Corumbá, MS, Brazil.
Journal of Environmental Management
|May 17, 2017
Summary
Assessing beef ranching sustainability is complex. The Sustainable Pantanal Ranch (SPR) tool uses fuzzy logic to evaluate sustainability across environmental, social, and economic factors in tropical systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Agricultural science
- Decision science
Background:
- Sustainability assessment is challenging due to complex natural and human factors.
- Beef ranching in tropical environments requires robust evaluation methods.
- Existing assessment tools may not adequately address uncertainty and complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a decision support system for assessing beef ranching sustainability in complex tropical environments.
- To integrate multiple indicators across the three dimensions of sustainability using fuzzy logic.
- To develop a user-friendly and cost-effective digital tool for sustainability assessment.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Sustainable Pantanal Ranch (SPR) system based on a fuzzy rule-approach.
- Integration of measurements and indicators using fuzzy logic to evaluate sustainability attributes.
- Utilizing workshops with multi-disciplinary experts to define indicators, decision rules, and scenarios.
- Implementation of Fuzzy Rule-Based Systems (FRBS) for attributes, dimensions, and a general index.
- Development of supporting tools: FuzzyGen and WebFuzzy for digital applications.
Main Results:
- Fuzzy Rule-Based Systems (FRBS) were successfully developed for each sustainability attribute, dimension, and a general index.
- The SPR tool, supported by FuzzyGen and WebFuzzy, demonstrated efficiency and low cost for digital applications.
- Results were visualized using radar graphs, presenting individual indicator values (0-10).
- Validation through WebFuzzy confirmed the feasibility and usability of the tool for assessing sustainability.
Conclusions:
- The Sustainable Pantanal Ranch (SPR) system provides a feasible and usable approach to assess beef ranching sustainability in complex tropical environments.
- Fuzzy logic effectively integrates diverse indicators to evaluate the multi-dimensional aspects of sustainability.
- The developed digital tools (FuzzyGen, WebFuzzy) offer an efficient and cost-effective solution for sustainability assessment applications.
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