Exploring the interface between community-based forest management and systems modelling

Participatory modes of development, in general and community-based forest management in particular, have been widely accepted as a better alternative to traditional management paradigms, which have been discredited for being too expert-driven, centrally planned, and essentially top-down with strong adherence to principles of rationality. Recently however, participatory approaches have also received some criticism for their lack of rigour and highly empiricist orientation. Traditional modelling approaches have often been associated with traditional management paradigms in part because they are highly structured and systematic in their approach. Despite their perceived limitations, participatory approaches and modelling offer a number of desirable properties and strengths that can enhance both the practice and theory of community-based management. This paper explores alternative ways by which systems modelling can be adopted in a participatory framework. Combining these two approaches offers the flexibility, inclusivity and practicality of participatory methods, and the systemic, systematic and analytical capabilities of systems modelling. Examples of models that adhere to this hybrid approach are described in this paper.

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