Participatory system dynamics modelling for dairy value chain development in Nicaragua

ABSTRACT

The use of system dynamics tools can add valuable insights when identifying and evaluating priorities for pro-poor value chain upgrading. However, to better understand the complex systems in agricultural value chains and to develop useful models, a participatory modelling process is important. This article highlights the group model building process of the dairy value chain in Matiguás, Nicaragua, one of a few examples of participatory model building in developing countries. The results confirm several benefits with participatory system dynamics modelling, including team learning, a greater understanding of the value of modelling, and a tool for decision-making and priority setting.

L'utilisation d'outils d'observation de la dynamique des systèmes peut fournir des indications précieuses lors de l'identification et de l'estimation des priorités dans l'amélioration de la chaîne de valeur profitable aux populations pauvres. Cependant, afin de mieux comprendre les systèmes complexes des chaînes de valeurs agricoles et de développer des modèles utiles, il est important d'élaborer un processus participatif de modélisation. Cet article met l'accent sur le processus d'élaboration du modèle de groupe de la chaîne de valeur du secteur laitier à Matiguás, au Nicaragua – l'un des rares exemples d'élaboration de modèle participatif dans les pays en développement. Les résultats confirment les divers avantages offerts par la modélisation participative de la dynamique des systèmes, parmi lesquels l'apprentissage en équipe, une meilleure compréhension de l'intérêt de la modélisation et un outil pour les prises de décision et l'établissement des priorités.

A la hora de identificar y evaluar prioridades con el propósito de mejorar una cadena de valor favorable para la gente empobrecida, el uso de herramientas vinculadas a la dinámica de sistemas puede dar lugar al surgimiento de hallazgos valiosos. Sin embargo, a efectos de comprender mejor los complejos sistemas existentes en las cadenas de valor agrícolas y crear modelos útiles, resulta importante que el proceso de modelaje sea participativo. El presente artículo da cuenta del proceso grupal que desembocó en la construcción de un modelo a ser aplicado en la cadena de valor de los lácteos en Matiguás, Nicaragua, que constituye uno de los pocos ejemplos de construcción participativa de modelos que ha surgido en países en desarrollo. Los resultados de esta revisión constatan la presencia de diversos beneficios asociados al modelaje de las dinámicas propias de los sistemas participativos, entre ellos, el aprendizaje en equipo, la comprensión profunda del valor que conlleva modelar y el uso de una herramienta útil para la toma de decisiones y el establecimiento de prioridades.

KEYWORDS:

• Methods
• Environment (built and natural) – Agriculture, Food security
• Labour and livelihoods – Poverty reduction
• Civil society – Participation
• Aid – Development policies
• Governance and public policy
• Latin America and the Caribbean

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the support from several people at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), as well as the various stakeholders actively participating in the research, and those kindly commenting on drafts of the article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Helene Lie is a PhD candidate in the Department of International Environment and Development Studies at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). Her interests are social entrepreneurship and value chain analysis and development. She has a MA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (NMBU), and a BSc in Development Studies from University of Oslo, Norway.

Karl M. Rich is an Associate Professor in Agribusiness and International Rural Development at Lincoln University in New Zealand. His research interests are in applying quantitative systems models to agricultural and livestock value chains. He holds PhD and MSc in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Stefan Burkart is a socio-economist at CIAT’s Tropical Forages Program in Colombia. His major focus is on value chain and business models, social networks, innovation systems, and economic analysis of technologies. He holds a PhD in agricultural economics and a MSc in agribusiness from the University of Hohenheim in Germany.

Notes

1 Available at www.iseesystems.com/softwares/STELLA-iThink.aspx

2 Available at https://sims.iseesystems.com/helene-lie/dairy-value-chain-development-in-nicaragua

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Norwegian Research Council (project number 239514/H30).