Utilisation possibilities of abandoned land by applying multi-criteria analysis

Abstract

The article analyses a significant 21st century issue of land abandonment. Land abandonment occurs due to a variety of reasons, including natural, social, economic, politic, geographic and holding structure factors. The article employs methods of scientific literature, statistical data, cartographical data, multi-criteria analysis, generalisation and logical reasoning in order to analyse the extent of land abandonment and possibilities of its utilisation in Lithuania. In order to determine rational possibilities of utilisation of abandoned land, the analysis of 36 particular abandoned land areas was carried out by taking into account 11 delineated criteria that are significant for finding alternatives for utilisation of abandoned land. It was determined that the majority of abandoned land areas, i.e., 10.58 ha, are expedient for afforestation (24 abandoned land areas), and the rest areas comprising 9.25 ha are expedient to revival of agricultural activities.