ABSTRACT
We describe the use of a participatory agent-based modelling approach called “self-design” in Senegal that lets farmers develop their own conceptual model of environmental management issues. Participants create a qualitative model that reflects the complexity of drylands environmental uncertainty, then use the model to shape uncertainty management principles for policy design. We consider how this unique inclusionary method, which involves and interlinks stakeholders from local to national levels, can lead to a novel multilevel policy design.
