Work

Fallow Land Simulations to Fight Against Soil Degradation: Engaging Stakeholders with Model Exploration

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This methodological paper is part of a companion modeling approach conducted in the Senegalese groundnut basin.It aims to address two key aspects: (1) the process of co-constructing the model as it was carried out with local stakeholders, and (2) the use of calibration to account for abstract (non-measurable) elements that stakeholders needed to describe and evaluate their system effectively.Thematically, this study explores the interplay of social solidarity and agro-pastoral systems in the Senegalese village of Diohine, where communal fallow lands persist as a critical marker of socio-ecological resilience.Using a co-constructed agentbased model, "Me Re Diem", we investigate the dynamics of soil fertility, population, and agricultural yields over 25 years, integrating local knowledge and ecological data.Our findings highlight the central role of social solidarity mechanisms, such as parcel lending and food sharing, in stabilizing agro-pastoral systems under resource scarcity.Calibration of the model demonstrates its ability to reproduce historical dynamics and test alternative practices.Without solidarity mechanisms, the system collapses, revealing their indispensability for long-term sustainability.This work underscores the necessity of collaborative modeling to bridge empirical data and local practices, fostering actionable insights for addressing soil degradation and demographic pressures.

Source: Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation

DOI: 10.18564/jasss.5816