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Simulation models in Farming Systems Research: potential and challenges

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Farming Systems Research into the 21st Century: The New Dynamic

Abstract

Integrated simulation models can be useful tools in farming system research. This chapter reviews three commonly used approaches, i.e. linear programming, system dynamics and agent-based models. Applications of each approach are presented and strengths and drawbacks discussed. We argue that, despite some challenges, mainly related to the integration of different approaches, model validation and the representation of human agents, integrated simulation models contribute important insights to the analysis of farming systems. They help unravelling the complex and dynamic interactions and feedbacks among bio-physical, socio-economic, and institutional components across scales and levels in farming systems. In addition, they can provide a platform for integrative research, and can support transdisciplinary research by functioning as learning platforms in participatory processes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading, UK

    Giuseppe Feola

  2. Institute of Socioeconomics, Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany

    Claudia Sattler

  3. Institute of Environmental Sciences, Boğaziçi University, İstanbul, Turkey

    Ali Kerem Saysel

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  1. Giuseppe Feola
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  2. Claudia Sattler
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  3. Ali Kerem Saysel
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Correspondence to Giuseppe Feola .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Feistmantelstrasse 4, Vienna, 1180, Austria

    Ika Darnhofer

  2. Livelihood Systems, Agricultural and Rural, Shrewsbury Road 59, Church Stretton, SY6 6EX, Shropshire, United Kingdom

    David Gibbon

  3. , SAD, INRA, INRA - Clermont-Theix, Saint-Genes-Champanelle, 63122, France

    Benoît Dedieu

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Feola, G., Sattler, C., Saysel, A.K. (2012). Simulation models in Farming Systems Research: potential and challenges. In: Darnhofer, I., Gibbon, D., Dedieu, B. (eds) Farming Systems Research into the 21st Century: The New Dynamic. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4503-2_13

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