Location Allocation Model for Community Centers Using GIS and Multi-Objective Goal Programming in War Weary Area: A Case Study in Syria

This research addresses the critical challenges faced by communities in Idleb, Syria, particularly the barriers children encounter in accessing basic services due to the ongoing conflict. We propose a comprehensive methodology that integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS), multi-objective goal programming (using both weighted and preemptive approaches), and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to optimize the location allocation of community centers. These centers aim to provide essential support and rehabilitation services for affected children. By engaging local stakeholders, the proposed approach ensures practical alignment with on-ground realities. The findings, validated through sensitivity analyses conducted on the GAMS platform, demonstrate the model’s effectiveness and offer a practical framework for humanitarian interventions in similar crisis-affected regions globally. This GIS-based multi-objective goal programming model, integrated with AHP, optimizes community center locations in conflict zones by maximizing coverage and minimizing costs, serving as a valuable tool for humanitarian logistics in comparable global contexts.