Selection of agricultural technology: A multi-attribute approach

Abstract

The evaluation and selection process of agricultural technology traditionally is focused on economic aspects, delegating to third parties and ignoring several attributes in the analysis. This article presents a multicriteria model that integrates the TOPSIS technique, based on a similarity index to an ideal alternative performed by a decision group, which integrates simultaneously several attributes in the analysis and having different preference levels, thus the farmers can carry out the evaluation process by themselves. The model is validated through a case study applied to the selection of an agricultural tractor, which is evaluated by four members of an agricultural cooperative, including two types of attributes. On the one hand, tangible attributes: initial cost, maintenance cost and engine power. On the other hand, intangible attributes: after-sales service and maintainability. Currently, the model is being integrated in a software to facilitate applications by farmers, avoiding assigning this task to third parties.