University of Twente Student Theses
Comparison of two methods for regional analysis of functions: The case of Internally Displaced Persons resettlement in North Darfur state
Dongzagla, Alfred (2013) Comparison of two methods for regional analysis of functions: The case of Internally Displaced Persons resettlement in North Darfur state.
|
PDF
2MB |
| Abstract: | The conflict in Darfur which started in 2003 has caused insecurity, displacements, destruction of functions and disruption of livelihood activities resulting in low standard of living. Following the adoption of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur in 2011, Darfur is relatively peaceful and currently undergoing recovery from the adverse effects of the conflict. As part of efforts in the recovery of Darfur, the United Nations (UN) together with the Sudanese governments and Civil Society Organizations are developing a regional planning strategy for the reconstruction of Darfur. Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons is key in the recovery and reconstruction of Darfur. Owing to the destruction of social services, infrastructure and economic functions in Darfur caused by the conflict, some Localities (sub-administrative units) may not have important functions to sustain the livelihood of IDPs. A regional analysis of functions can help in the identification of places that are functionally suitable to support decision making in the resettlement of IDPS. Existing methods in regional analysis of functions are descriptive in nature. In such descriptive methods, system analysts do not consider societal functional preferences in determining the functional level of places. A Matrix of Function is one of such descriptive methods. Given the objectives of stakeholders in Darfur to resettle IDPs in functionally suitable areas, a normative method like Multicriteria Evaluation can help order Localities based on the functional preferences of stakeholders to support decision making in the resettlement of IDPs. The study therefore compared Matrix of Function and Multicriteria Evaluation methods in analysing the functional hierarchy of Localities suitability to support decision making in the resettlement of IDPs in Darfur. The two methods were compared with regards to seven criteria. These include; data requirements, ease of computation, amount of interaction required between the decision maker and system analyst, weighted values /importance of functions, the nature of the alternative system being analysed, consistency of results of methods and finally robustness of the results. A five level functional hierarchy of Localities was identified in both Matrix of Function and Multicriteria Evaluation methods. The functional hierarchies of the two methods are fairly consistent. In both methods, El-Fasher Locality is on top of the hierarchy with a wide functional gap between it and the next level. The functional suitability of other Localities if compared to El-Fasher Locality are generally low and need to be upgraded through the provision of services that are absent in those Localities to ensure a balance regional development. El-Fasher Locality is therefore a potential Locality for the resettlement of IDPs. Despite the fact that the two methods yield a fairly consistent functional hierarchy, an assessment of the methods against other criteria indicates that the two methods have varied strengths and weaknesses. Keywords: resettlement, Internally Displaced Persons, functions, functional hierarchy, Matrix of Function, Multicriteria Evaluation |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ITC: Faculty of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation |
| Programme: | Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation MSc (75014) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/93990 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page