Fallow land simulations to fight against soil degradation: Engaging stakeholders with model exploration

Paul Chapron; Mathieu Leclaire; Arthur Scriban; Dominique Masse; Romain Reuillon; Abigail Fallot; Etienne Delay

doi:10.18564/jasss.5816

Fallow land simulations to fight against soil degradation: Engaging stakeholders with model exploration

Paul Chapron, Mathieu Leclaire, Arthur Scriban, Dominique Masse, Romain Reuillon, Abigail Fallot Etienne Delay

Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Vol.29(1)

2026

: https://doi.org/10.18564/jasss.5816

Social Solidarity

Agro-Pastoral Systems

Soil Fertility

Agent-Based Modeling

Model Calibration

Senegal

Companion Modeling

ABM

territoire communal

approche participative

modèle de simulation

Sénégal

ComMod

Calibration

This methodological paper forms part of a modelling approach conducted in the Senegalese groundnut basin. It addresses two key aspects: (1) the process of co-constructing the model with local stakeholders; and (2) the use of calibration to account for non-measurable elements, which stakeholders needed to describe and evaluate their system effectively. Thematically, the study examines the relationship between social solidarity and agro-pastoral systems in Diohine, a Senegalese village where communal fallow lands are a vital indicator of socio-ecological resilience. Using the co-constructed, agent-based "Me re Diam" model, we examine the dynamics of soil fertility, population growth and agricultural yields over a 25-year period, integrating local knowledge and ecological data. Our findings emphasise the pivotal role of social solidarity mechanisms, such as parcel lending and food sharing, in stabilising agro-pastoral systems amidst resource scarcity. Calibrating the model demonstrates its ability to reproduce historical dynamics and test alternative practices. Without these mechanisms, the system collapses, revealing their indispensable nature for long-term sustainability. This work emphasises the importance of collaborative modelling in bridging the gap between empirical data and local practices, providing actionable insights for addressing soil degradation and demographic pressures.

(2)

url

Find in HAL

url

https://doi.org/10.18564/jasss.5816

Published (Version of record)

: Fallow land simulations to fight against soil degradation: Engaging stakeholders with model exploration
: Paul Chapron - Université Gustave Eiffel
Mathieu Leclaire - Institut de Recherche sur les Systèmes Atomiques et Moléculaires Complexes
Arthur Scriban - Systèmes d’élevage méditerranéens et tropicaux
Dominique Masse - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement
Romain Reuillon - Institut de Recherche sur les Systèmes Atomiques et Moléculaires Complexes
Abigail Fallot - Sensor Electronics (United States)
Etienne Delay - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement
: Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Vol.29(1)
: Agropolis Fondation;AF;FRA;http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100007599
: 99206414909311
: Université de Montpellier
: English
: Journal article
: hal-05501796