Abstract
This study demonstrated the usefulness of the DEMATEL method when applied to the evaluation of the influence of farm road development. The field survey for DEMATEL analysis was conducted in Miyazaki-machi, Miyagi Prefecture. As a result of this Study, it was make clear that the DEMATEL method can be effectively used for such difficult problems as the analysis of non-agricutural effects, interaction among various effets, and indirect effects of farm road development.
By the application of this method, it also became clear that the inhabitants near farm road recognize the following effects:
1) Through farm road development, the time required for commuting tofarm land and transporting farm products was significantly shortened, and which resulted in the improvement of quality of farm products. The efficiency in the use of agricultural machinery and facilities was also improved. These effects were noted especially in the development of the wide-rea and 'nomen' farm roads.
2) The farm road development improved the living environment throughthe removal of dust and mire. These effects were particularly noticeable the development of village road.
3) Farmer's consciousness for improved agriculture production and better living improvement was also raised. These effects were observed in all types of farm road.
