Creating an alternative model to grading methods in land consolidation works

One of the most critical stages in land consolidation projects is the grading process, which determines the value of parcels. It is crucial that this process be based on scientific methods, reflect farmers' opinions, and be mathematically verifiable. This doctoral thesis identified the criteria affecting the value of agricultural land. Surveys administered to 77 participants from five different expert groups (technical personnel working in the expropriation departments of institutions, agricultural engineers working at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, technical personnel working in the land consolidation department at the State Hydraulic Works (DSI), real estate appraisers, and academics) were analyzed using the Fuzzy AHP method. Furthermore, the suitability of the criteria for implementation was assessed through interviews with experts who chaired commissions on land consolidation projects at the DSI. The model was integrated into two application areas (Gediksaray/Amasya and Boyalılar villages/Kastamonu). The research results showed that the most important criteria affecting land value in agricultural areas are infrastructure (25.98%), soil (23.39%), and transportation (21.52%). While productivity, irrigation, and intercity road frontage were prioritized among the sub-criteria, rockiness, easement rights, and triangular/polygonal parcel geometry were found to be of low importance. Differences were observed between the expert groups' assessments; DSI personnel prioritized irrigation, agricultural engineers prioritized soil, and real estate experts prioritized parcel geometry. The Fuzzy AHP model developed as part of this thesis integrated diverse expert opinions, providing a more flexible and scientific framework compared to the fixed coefficients in the legislation. Furthermore, based on farmer opinions, the model increased social acceptability by reflecting local priorities and practical experience. Comparative analyses demonstrated that the Fuzzy AHP model was superior in terms of technical consistency, while the farmer-based model was superior in practicality and cost-effectiveness. Consequently, the methods that have been developed contribute to developing a more reliable, applicable, and participatory rating process than the current regulatory approach.