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The System Dynamics of Forest Cover in the Developing World: Researcher Versus Community Perspectives

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  • Laura Schmitt Olabisi

    (Environmental Science and Policy Program, Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation, and Resource Studies (CARRS), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

Abstract

Efforts to increase forest cover in the developing world will only succeed if the root causes of deforestation are addressed. Researchers designing reforestation initiatives tend to emphasize macro-level drivers of deforestation, about which they have extensive data and knowledge. On the other hand, local people have contextually based knowledge of forest cover dynamics in their region—about which external researchers may be largely ignorant. This type of perception gap between researchers and community members has led to many failed or insufficiently implemented projects. An emerging tool—group model-building with system dynamics—shows promise in its ability to integrate different perspectives on a complex problem such as forest cover loss. In this study, I use system dynamics modeling methodology to compare causal loop diagrams of forest cover dynamics on Negros Island, Philippines generated by researchers working for the World Wildlife Fund with causal loop diagrams generated by community members in upland Negros. The diagrams were significantly different, with very few variables in common, but both illuminate critical aspects of the deforestation problem on the island. I conclude that reforestation initiatives in the Philippines would benefit from incorporating all relevant information into a single, coherent model.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Schmitt Olabisi, 2010. "The System Dynamics of Forest Cover in the Developing World: Researcher Versus Community Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(6), pages 1-13, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:2:y:2010:i:6:p:1523-1535:d:8528
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Hossein Safaei & Mohadeseh Ghanbari Motlagh & Mahmoudreza Khorshidian & Saeed Malmasi, 2022. "Introducing a process to select the appropriate dam compensation option based on ecosystem services," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(11), pages 13011-13034, November.
    2. Derek Baker & Kanar Dizyee & Warren Parker & Frank Scrimgeour & Garry Griffith, 2017. "Primary Industry Chains and Networks: Analysis for Public and Private Interests," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(6), pages 699-709, November.
    3. Lie, Helene & Rich, Karl M., 2016. "Improving Value Chains for Dairy Farmers in Matiguás, Nicaragua: a System Dynamics Approach," 2016 International European Forum (151st EAAE Seminar), February 15-19, 2016, Innsbruck-Igls, Austria 244479, International European Forum on System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks.
    4. Ana María González & Harrison Sandoval & Pilar Acosta & Felipe Henao, 2016. "On the Acceptance and Sustainability of Renewable Energy Projects—A Systems Thinking Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-21, November.
    5. Alexandre Anders Brasil & Humberto Angelo & Alexandre Nascimento de Almeida & Eraldo Aparecido Trondoli Matricardi & Henrique Marinho Leite Chaves & Maristela Franchetti de Paula, 2023. "Modeling the Impacts of Soil Management on Avoided Deforestation and REDD+ Payments in the Brazilian Amazon: A Systems Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-27, August.
    6. Laura Schmitt Olabisi & Saweda Liverpool-Tasie & Louie Rivers & Arika Ligmann-Zielinska & Jing Du & Riva Denny & Sandra Marquart-Pyatt & Amadou Sidibé, 2018. "Using participatory modeling processes to identify sources of climate risk in West Africa," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 38(1), pages 23-32, March.
    7. Naila Nazir & Laura Schmitt Olabisi & Salman Ahmad, 2018. "Forest Wood Consumption and Wood Shortage in Pakistan: Estimation and Projection through System Dynamics," The Pakistan Development Review, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, vol. 57(1), pages 73-98.
    8. Naila Nazir & Salman Ahmad, 2018. "Forest land conversion dynamics: a case of Pakistan," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 389-405, February.
    9. Madu, Christian N. & Kuei, Chu-hua, 2019. "Modeling landscape sustainability in the oil producing Niger delta area of Nigeria," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).

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