Description

In 2003, following extensive survey work by Thai researchers on the varietal choice and seed renewal practices of rainfed lowland rice growers in the 25 districts of Ubon Ratchathani province, a reduction in the rice biodiversity was noted in this cradle of Thai aromatic rice. These UBU researchers were interested by participatory approaches in agriculture and took part in training courses on multi-agent modelling for integrated natural resource management before to decide to attempt, with specialists in modelling complex systems, to co-construct a multi-agent model representing the structure and functioning of the provincial rice seed system with its main stakeholders. This case study was focusing on the modelling of communication and seed exchanges among agents in a heterogeneous environment at the provincial scale.

The approach was implemented in six phases over three years:

1.  Co-construction of a conceptual model formalised using UML diagrams representing the decision-making processes linked to the choice of varieties and seed suppliers used by the rice growers and to the production and exchanges of seeds between the various stakeholders in the provincial seed system. Initial diagrams constructed by researchers based on existing knowledge were then submitted to the seed system stakeholders for review during joint meetings,
2.  Based on the improved UML diagrams, a first role-playing game on the choice of varieties and seed suppliers by farmers was constructed to share the researchers' representation of the seed system with various types of rice growers farming at varying distances from seed production and multiplication centres in the province. In this game six farmers from two quite separate villages played in parallel,
3.  A second game complementary to the first was put together to represent seed supply and demand, this time at the provincial scale, and the meeting of seed requirements by various producers and suppliers through seed orders and exchanges. The second game was used with provincial stakeholders in the sector, then extended to Bangkok-based representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and cooperatives. The post-gaming sessions discussions modified the initial conceptual diagrams,
4.  The construction of a prototype of the multi-agent model was based on these improved UML diagrams. The prototype merged the two role-playing games and represented both the creation of the demand for seed and the communication about seeds and their exchanges between the stakeholders in the supply chain. It also distinguished between an area close to rice seed producer and distributor public bodies and an area far away with access to a more restricted number of suppliers only,
5.  The prototype was presented to the main stakeholders in the sector in Ubon then Bangkok . These interactions led to model improvements regarding the links between stakeholders and their priorities and the variation dynamics of the demand for seed. Lastly a few scenarios of interest for the stakeholders were put together, like the withdrawal of a seed-producing public institution or the increase in the demand for seed and of their production by community seed centres,
6.  Improvement of the multi-agent model and simulation of scenarios of interest to the users.

The approach allowed the stakeholders in the seed sector to meet, exchange their viewpoints on the state of the system and its future, and to become aware of its high degree of complexity.