Model of multiperiod allocation and prioritization of crops for production units of family agriculture via the CRITIC-TOPSIS mixed method

Family agriculture faces multiple challenges that affect the performance of its production chains, including climate change, pests, diseases, and production costs, highlighting the need for decision-support tools based on multiple criteria. This study evaluates the factors influencing crop selection in family farming systems in Tuta, Boyacá, Colombia, a rural area where agriculture and livestock are the main economic activities. The intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method was used to determine the relative importance of decision criteria, and the TOPSIS method was applied to prioritize crop alternatives under variable climatic conditions affecting water availability, soil requirements, yield, and crop quality. The results indicate that potato and bulb onion are the most suitable crops, consistent with current local production patterns, while fruit crops such as cape gooseberry, strawberry, and blueberry show strong potential for diversification and export. Sensitivity analysis, based on variations of up to ±30% in criteria weights, revealed low variability in rankings, confirming the robustness and stability of the model. These findings demonstrate that the proposed CRITIC–TOPSIS approach is an effective and reliable tool for supporting agricultural decision-making and promoting more resilient and sustainable planning in family farming systems.