Aiding decision making in transition to integrated farming systems in small watersheds in Northeast Thailand through a multi-agent systems model
Two MAS models for diversification were developed with farmers who grow rice in rainfed paddies and sugarcane in upland fields in mini-watersheds. The first model was based on choices in a research agenda setting process made by 39 farmers with farm ponds and fruit, vegetable, or cattle production. This model begins from farmer assessment of well-being, followed by assessment of capital and pond water. The model postulates that farmers will begin diversification by expansion of cattle raising. This model was based on four orientations of farmers: conventional (rice / sugarcane), vegetable / fruit, livestock, and integrated farming. A second model for farmers with a vegetable / fruit orientation was based on interactions with four wet season on-farm trial farmers in the integrated farming group. This model assessed which plots would be suitable for diversification based on topo sequence and pond proximity; selected crops based on sugarcane price, base pond water need, and household funds for investment in technology to increase water availability; selected vegetables based on price and rainfall; and decided upon vegetable technology based on household funds for investment. Both models are written in Unified Modeling Language (UML), and will be used to explore potential aggregate effects of diversification options.
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | conference_item biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
s.n.
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| Subjects: | U10 - Informatique, mathématiques et statistiques, F08 - Systèmes et modes de culture, |
| Online Access: | http://agritrop.cirad.fr/545883/ http://agritrop.cirad.fr/545883/1/document_545883.pdf |
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