GeSoN: A Geo-Social Network model applying bounded rationality to farmers in socio-ecological simulations

TY - JOUR

T1 - GeSoN: A Geo-Social Network model applying bounded rationality to farmers in socio-ecological simulations

AU - Paparella, Antonio

AU - Cembalo, Luigi

AU - Topping, Christopher John

PY - 2023/6/29

Y1 - 2023/6/29

N2 - Agri-ecological environment management is a valuable tool for reducing agricultural impacts on ecosystems. Socio-ecological simulations can support these tools to find better solutions for managing natural resources. Nonetheless, these models are still few and scattered, often stand-alone and usually applicable to a specific context. Here, we present a Formal Model for reproducing the farmer opinion dynamic in a multi-layer geospatial network, focusing on the influence farmers embedded in the same landscape have on each other. The study aims to provide a new tool to integrate complex socio-ecological system simulations incorporating human behaviour and decision-making components, specifically focused on the farmer’s social networks and opinion diffusion modelling. The farmers are modelled following the bounded rationality framework and applying the concept of ecological rationality and a bounded confidence opinion dynamic model governs the interaction between agents. The interaction between the agents is governed by an asymmetrical function and involves an explicit role of uncertainty. The model generates a connection between farmers using different criteria and developing a multilayer system where geographical, economic and social aspects are considered. The Geo-Social Network model (GeSoN) shows promising dynamics and types of behaviour, mainly attributable to the formation of consensus, polarisation and fragmentation amongst the agents’ opinions. Moreover, the GeSoN model presents flexibility and adaptability to be incorporated into more complex simulation systems.

AB - Agri-ecological environment management is a valuable tool for reducing agricultural impacts on ecosystems. Socio-ecological simulations can support these tools to find better solutions for managing natural resources. Nonetheless, these models are still few and scattered, often stand-alone and usually applicable to a specific context. Here, we present a Formal Model for reproducing the farmer opinion dynamic in a multi-layer geospatial network, focusing on the influence farmers embedded in the same landscape have on each other. The study aims to provide a new tool to integrate complex socio-ecological system simulations incorporating human behaviour and decision-making components, specifically focused on the farmer’s social networks and opinion diffusion modelling. The farmers are modelled following the bounded rationality framework and applying the concept of ecological rationality and a bounded confidence opinion dynamic model governs the interaction between agents. The interaction between the agents is governed by an asymmetrical function and involves an explicit role of uncertainty. The model generates a connection between farmers using different criteria and developing a multilayer system where geographical, economic and social aspects are considered. The Geo-Social Network model (GeSoN) shows promising dynamics and types of behaviour, mainly attributable to the formation of consensus, polarisation and fragmentation amongst the agents’ opinions. Moreover, the GeSoN model presents flexibility and adaptability to be incorporated into more complex simulation systems.

U2 - 10.3897/fmj.4.100714

DO - 10.3897/fmj.4.100714

M3 - Journal article

SN - 2815-3197

VL - 4

JO - Food and Ecological Systems Modelling Journal

JF - Food and Ecological Systems Modelling Journal

M1 - e100714

ER -