Participatory system dynamics modelling for dairy value chain development in Nicaragua

Abstract

The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) believes that open access contributes to its mission of reducing hunger and poverty, and improving human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. CIAT is committed to creating and sharing knowledge and information openly and globally. We do this through collaborative research as well as through the open sharing of our data, tools, and publications.

An empirical evaluation of policy options for inclusive dairy value chain development in Nicaragua: A system dynamics approach

“…Participatory processes are an important part of building this understanding, as well as providing a platform for needed collaboration across the chain. Using a participatory process can be time consuming, but provides additional positive outcomes such as team learning, commitment to chosen strategies, and more sustainable value chain interventions, and which will have a positive influence over and beyond the modeling process (Lie et al 2017).…”

“…A participatory process called group model building (GMB) provides a methodology through which value chain actors and enablers can participate in all or some of the steps in the modeling process (Hovmand 2014;Vennix 1996). This process facilitates learning and shared understanding about the system among the participants, develops a more useful model, and enhances the commitment to selected strategies and their implementation, which potentially strengthens the sustainability of value chain interventions and policies (Lie et al 2017). This process is briefly discussed in the next section.…”

“…Data from the national census (INIDE-MAGFOR 2013), such as the number of cattle and amount of land used for cattle production, was also used. For additional information about participatory modeling and the GMB process of the Matiguás dairy value chain, see Lie et al (2017).…”

“…Recent research has revealed the utility of this approach in agricultural and livestock systems to ex-ante test the dynamic impacts of feedbacks from different policy and technical interventions within value chains (Dizyee et al 2017;Naziri et al 2015;Rich et al 2011). A major advantage of SD modeling is its ability to employ participatory processes in the design, construction, parameterization, and application of value chain models, improving modeling transparency and validity, and engaging value chain actors together in a process of joint learning (Lie et al 2017). This approach thus addresses a major analytical shortcoming in traditional VCA and provides decision makers with an improved platform for planning and policy formulation.…”

Application of system dynamics and participatory spatial group model building in animal health: A case study of East Coast Fever interventions in Lundazi and Monze districts of Zambia

“…In application to animal health, GMB has the advantage of bringing together diverse stakeholders from the livestock value chain to address common problems from different vantage points and serves as a platform for the joint development of solutions. GMB has been used to develop models and conduct policy analysis in the livestock sector, but its use has been limited [ 29 – 31 ].…”