IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BALANCED DECISION-MAKING METHOD FOR PRIORITIZING CROP PLANTING IN SMALL-SCALE RURAL PROPERTIES

ABSTRACT In response to the increasing uncertainties in agricultural decision-making, driven by market fluctuations and changes in environmental conditions, this research implemented the Balanced DecisionMaking Method (BDMM) to improve crop selection on a farm in western Bahia. The BDMM integrates multiple decision-making methods-TOPSIS, PROMETHEE II, and the Borda method-to provide a comprehensive and balanced evaluation. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from literature, insights from two decision-makers, and the authors of the article. Qualitative factors, such as cost estimates, market prices, and labor requirements, were sourced from various references, while quantitative data focused on customer demand and expert consensus regarding pest risk. The combination of these data sources and the application of the proposed method enabled a detailed analysis that reflected the combined preferences and needs of each producer. The BDMM facilitated consensus among the producers, supporting decisions that optimize both economic performance and environmental sustainability.