Potential for systems simulation in farming systems research

Abstract

Attention is drawn to the benefits and limitations of Farming Systems Research (FSR) as a means of developing and extending new technology. The value of crop modelling to the FSR process is outlined. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the driving force for farming system change is social and cultural. The point is made that if a modelling approach is to assist the process of technology development, adoption and change then work must include but extend beyond the use of crop models in the research phase of FSR. The format and advantages of a whole farm model are presented. Lack of socio-cultural data limits traditional approach to modelling and consequently a rules based framework is discussed. Such an Expert Systems approach permits the use of qualitative data necessary to express socio-cultural conditions. The concept of a Minimum Data Set for socio-cultural data is presented in relation to a generic whole farm model.