Integrating participatory stock and flow models with advanced process models for sustainability assessment in small-scale tropical agricultural systems

Small-scale agricultural production systems, characterized by significant diversity and multidimensional components, engage in complex interactions that fundamentally influence their long-term sustainability. This study presents an innovative methodology that integrates stock and flow models, developed through participatory processes, with sophisticated process models, to facilitate detailed comparisons and assessments of ecological sustainability in tropical small-scale agricultural systems. Specifically, our approach enhances the intuitive and user-friendly interfaces of system dynamics tools such as Stella Architect and Vensim with the precision and flexibility of advanced process models like DNDC (Denitrification-Decomposition). This integration significantly improves model accessibility for stakeholders—including farmers, extension agents, and community leaders—and increases the accuracy and comprehensiveness of sustainability evaluations in these intricate agricultural environments. Conducted in Mariato, Panama, this research produced several key outcomes that contribute valuable insights to the field of sustainable agricultural practices:We developed a preliminary stock and flow model through participatory engagement with stakeholders, specifically designed to assess the ecological sustainability of small-scale agricultural systems in the tropics.We designed a user-friendly interface in Stella Architect, which enhances the understanding of the complexities inherent in tropical small-scale agriculture for users with diverse educational and professional backgrounds.We pioneered an innovative integration of stock and flow models with process models, creating a comprehensive, accessible, and robust tool for evaluating small-scale agricultural systems in the tropics. This novel tool not only simplifies complex data but also facilitates deeper insights into the ecological dynamics at play, ensuring that sustainable practices are both understood and effectively implemented.