American Indian Farm Planning: An Analytical Approach to Tribal Decision Making

A multiyear linear programming model is used to assist an American Indian tribe develop agricultural plans for their tribal farm. Five-year crop, livestock, and investment plans are generated consistent with the tribal resource base, goals, and decision-making structure. The model has influenced the tribal farm decision-making process and provided the primary farming guide for 1979 and 1980. Frequent communication with the tribe was crucial in developing the model. Adequate updating procedures will be important in future farm planning.