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Differential Assessment of Strategies to Increase Milk Yield in Small-Scale Dairy Farming Systems Using Multi-Agent Modelling and Simulation

Author

Listed:
  • Devotha G. Nyambo

    (Information and Communication Science and Engineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha P.O. Box 447, Tanzania)

  • Thomas Clemen

    (Department of Computer Science, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Berliner Tor 7, 20099 Hamburg, Germany)

Abstract

Multi-agent-based modelling and simulation provides an adequate environment to study the real world. This paper presents the use of a multi-agent research and simulation (MARS) framework and model design based on the overview, design concepts, design (ODD) protocol to model and simulate small-scale management strategies that are important for increased milk yield per cow. In reality, strategies for farm management at a small-scale level are purely based on heuristics that cost farmers and lead to inadequate milk yields. A differential assessment of the farming strategies was conducted to yield a data-driven approach for selection of the best strategies, which in turn will optimize investments and increase milk yield. The agent-based modelling and simulation revealed that, the studied strategies based on income, farm, and farmer-based characteristics influenced an increase of up to 7.72 L of milk above the average (12.7 ± 4.89). Generally, there was an increase in milk yield based on the identified evolvement strategies; from a baseline data average milk yield of 12.7 ± 4.89 to simulated milk yield average of 17.57 ± 0.72. Evaluating the agent-based models in real-world scenarios will strengthen the assurance that the identified strategies can move small-scale dairy farmers from low to higher milk producers.

Suggested Citation

  • Devotha G. Nyambo & Thomas Clemen, 2023. "Differential Assessment of Strategies to Increase Milk Yield in Small-Scale Dairy Farming Systems Using Multi-Agent Modelling and Simulation," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:13:y:2023:i:3:p:590-:d:1083617
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    References listed on IDEAS

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