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Using stylized agent-based models for population–environment research: a case study from the Galápagos Islands

Population and Environment volume 31, pages 401–426 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Agent-based models (ABMs) are powerful tools for population–environment research but are subject to trade-offs between model complexity and abstraction. This study strikes a compromise between abstract and highly specified ABMs by designing a spatially explicit, stylized ABM and using it to explore policy scenarios in a setting that is facing substantial conservation and development challenges. Specifically, we present an ABM that reflects key Land Use/Land Cover dynamics and livelihood decisions on Isabela Island in the Galápagos Archipelago of Ecuador. We implement the model using the NetLogo software platform, a free program that requires relatively little programming experience. The landscape is composed of a satellite-derived distribution of a problematic invasive species (common guava) and a stylized representation of the Galápagos National Park, the community of Puerto Villamil, the agricultural zone, and the marine area. The agent module is based on publicly available data and household interviews and represents the primary livelihoods of the population in the Galápagos Islands—tourism, fisheries, and agriculture. We use the model to enact hypothetical agricultural subsidy scenarios aimed at controlling invasive guava and assess the resulting population and land cover dynamics. Findings suggest that spatially explicit, stylized ABMs have considerable utility, particularly during preliminary stages of research, as platforms for (1) sharpening conceptualizations of population–environment systems, (2) testing alternative scenarios, and (3) uncovering critical data gaps.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Jonathan Kropko at the Odum Institute for his guidance in model development. We would also like to thank Brian Frizzelle at the Carolina Population Center for his instruction in NetLogo functionality, Laura Brewington for her insights regarding Isabela farming livelihoods, as well as the anonymous reviewers for their comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Brian W. Miller, Liza Guzmán-Ramirez & Susan C. Caplow

  2. Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology, Department of Geography, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Ian Breckheimer

  3. Department of Geography, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Amy L. McCleary

  4. Gillings School of Global Public Health, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Jessica C. Jones-Smith

  5. Department of Geography, Center for Galapagos Studies, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Stephen J. Walsh

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  1. Brian W. Miller
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  2. Ian Breckheimer
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Correspondence to Brian W. Miller.

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Miller, B.W., Breckheimer, I., McCleary, A.L. et al. Using stylized agent-based models for population–environment research: a case study from the Galápagos Islands. Popul Environ 31, 401–426 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11111-010-0110-4

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Keywords

  • Galápagos Islands
  • Invasive species
  • Land use/land cover
  • Livelihoods
  • NetLogo