An agent based model of agri-environmental measure diffusion: What for ?
Un modèle agent de diffusion de mesures agri-environnementales: pourquoi ?
Résumé
This paper focuses on the agent based model of the diffusion of agri-environmental measures developed in the IMAGES European project (1997 2001). We describe the main stages of this model elaboration, showing that it synthesises different modelling points of view. We then illustrate its representative power using a case study in Scotland. Finally, we point out some difficulties in the practical use of such models, particularly as decision supports for policy makers. We advocate a more careful study of the model through systematic experiments, and for the further development of a model of its aggregated dynamics, in order to give more reliable information to policy makers.