ABSTRACT
In this chapter we set out in some detail our approach to the development of the generic systems model for the analysis of the complex and dynamic relationships between the multiple functions of agriculture, the sustainable development of rural regions, and policies. Essentially, we introduce the reasons why we adopted a ‘systems approach’ to the problematic of the book, as well as outlining the building blocks of the dynamic systems model which we developed and use to analyse the economic, social and environmental outcomes of different policy scenarios. We then elaborate these building blocks in some detail, explaining the underlying theories and behavioural assumptions at each step. In Chapter 5 we describe the technical aspect of the model.
