This document discusses participatory modeling methods for developing a shared representation or model of a system among stakeholders. It describes the participatory modeling approach known as "ComMod", which involves stakeholders in iteratively designing, testing, and refining conceptual models through tools like role-playing games and agent-based simulations. ComMod has been applied to over 30 cases of natural resource management issues to help facilitate discussion, improve dialogue, and enable co-design of solutions among conflicting stakeholders by developing a common representation they all engage with. Qualitative modeling methods were tested early in a ComMod process to model avian influenza surveillance and control systems in Laos by identifying key stakeholders and mapping interactions between variables.

1. Raphaël Duboz, Aurélie Binot, Flavie Goutard,
Marisa Peyre, François Roger, Christophe Lepage
PENAPH Technical Workshop
Chang Mai December, 11 – 13 2012

2. We all “manipulate” mental representations
In some ways
We are all modelers!
We all perform simulations!
The Artificial Intelligence Point of View

3. Yes, but...
we are not all mathematicians, statisticians,
nor computer scientists...

4. Nevertheless...
We make decisions by answering questions
who?, what for?, when?, why? How? …
We imagine what will happen if...

5. We very often make decisions just
“thinking about”
the situation and
“choosing”
a solution over some scenarios...

6. x
Different mental representations
Different models of reality
Different perceptions

7. Collective
Knowledge sharing
Conflicts resolution
Decision making
Require
Common or Shared Representation of Reality

8. A participatory modelling method
for co-designing a shared
representation of a system
http://cormas.cirad.fr/ComMod/en/

9. If stakeholders share a common representation it is...
- easier to discuss about a particular problem
- enables and improves dialog between conflicting stakeholders
- easier to co-design solutions, management improvements...
- Increases stakeholders willingness to adopt and evolve solutions
Expected Output
- Explicit
- Illustrative
- Sufficient regarding the issue (parsimony)
As the common representation “belongs to” the stakeholders,
for them it is:

10. - Role playing games, simulation models (Agent Based Models)
- Scenarios generation and co-designed solutions
In addition, the model should be mutable and playable
ComMod has been applied in more than 30 very different cases
of natural resources management issues
Realizations

11. Ex: Lam Dom Yai (Thailand)
Produce knowledge on the manner migrations affect rice cropping
practices associated with the risk of very dry season
(Naivinit et al., 2007)

12. Mediation in conflict resolution regarding resources sharing
Ex : Lingmuteychu (Bhutan)
Solve an long term conflict regarding water sharing for crops between
two villages (upstream and downstream)
(Gurung et al. 2006)

13. To raise awareness of actors about
Risk of Forest fire
Ex : Nîmes-Métropole (France)
(Etienne et al. 2008)

14. A common representation of a part of the world
A shared model of a particular system
Modelling Systemic point of view
Representation sharing

15. Problem
Actors
Resources
Dynamics
Interactions
A participatory modelling method for co-designing
a shared representation of system
P A R D I
Each step is formulated as a specific question
related to the general question

16. How is PARDI related to ComMod?
usually comes early in the progress of a ComMod process
To allow exploring consequences of actions,
its output (a conceptual model) is then implemented
as a « playable » model, usually one of the following:
a role-playing game (human players + board game + rules)
an individual-based model (actors are computerized agents)
Qualitative model
involve the stakeholders in the design stage

17. ComMod
An iterative and adaptive approach
time
Field
Lab

18. ComMod and PE?
We are at the very first stage
We tested Qualitative Modelling methods to model surveillance and control system

19. Surveillance Control
Epizootic

20. Backyard farmer
Semi-commercial farmer
Village Veterinary Worker
District Agriculture and Forestry Officer
Province Agriculture and Forestry Officer
FAO
National Animal Health center (NAHC)
Open interviews in Laos
stakeholders

21. Qualitative modelling
Loop analysis
Directed graph of the HPAI H5N1 surveillance and control system in Laos
Arrow with pointed end: positive influence. Arrow with oval end: negative influence between variables.
Surveillance
Control
Epizootic

22. Thank You!
PENAPH Technical Workshop
Chang Mai December, 11 – 13 2012