Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
2
Modelling Approach
ABMs often take an abductive approach in that modelled systems give rise to self-
organizing and emergent properties from which theories can be constructed, allowing
for agents to act according to the meanings they ascribe to their systems [4]. The de-
gree to which a model represents the system according to the perspectives of the
agents (
emic
) or the researcher (
etic
) depends on the methods and analysis used [5].
The ABM methodology has parallels with grounded theory approaches which are
subjective and interpretive, with meaning emerging through the analysis of qualitative
data, and reflecting the beliefs of research participants [6:180].
Therefore, qualitative research methods can offer a valuable approach to develop-
ing ABMs [e.g. 4, 7, 8-10], generating detailed information about individual beha-
viours and group dynamics while increasing the opportunity for reflexive, inductive
theories to emerge [11:142]. While qualitative data can be highly empirical and con-
text-specific, ABM offers a means of identifying general patterns and processes that
will have relevance in a general range of settings whilst operating within the parame-
ters of the particular case study [12].
3
Understanding Social-Ecological Systems
The study system is a dryland system in the Kajiado District of southern Kenya. The
area comprises two communally-managed Group Ranches, Eselenkei and Mbirikani,
inhabited primarily by Maasai pastoralists (total population approximately 6,000).
Rangelands in Kenya have been undergoing a process of land-use change but this
section of Maasailand has proven relatively resistant to the pressures driving this
change, maintaining livelihood strategies centred around communally managed re-
sources and a pastoral economy [13]. The social structure of these communities is
organized around clan and kin relationships and age-sets. Most notable here are the
herder age-set (approximately 20-35 years of age) and the elder age-sets who general-
ly no longer carry out herding duties and are customarily responsible for decision-
making, although this is to some extent replaced by political actors and institutions.
In 2009, a drought event occurred which was particularly severe in its impact on
this social-ecological system, resulting in the loss of approximately 85% of livestock
and wild herbivores in a short period of time. This shock has been described by inha-
bitants as the “the worst drought ever” and some experts believe it may have brought
the system to a catastrophic “tipping point” [14]. This drought event forms the focal
point for exploring the responses of this system to climate and land-use changes and
implications for its long term sustainability.
A total of 18 months' qualitative field research has been undertaken in the study
system, over three visits since 2009. Qualitative data has been collected at each field
site using a mixed methods approach [15] designed to address the multiple objectives
of the research, including participant observation, informal discussion and semi-
structured interviewing. The use of these mixed methods has allowed for a greater
degree of triangulation of information and formal and informal data collection.
