Land Manager and Farmer Model: Scoping Study 2019

Tender description

This project aims to develop a model to aid future agriculture and environment policy design and evaluation by incorporating different sets of farmer and land manager behaviours and decisions. In particular, this study will be investigating the feasibility of constructing such a model and outlining how to approach it. It is important that the feasibility be determined before starting the development process. The study will focus on producing a plan for developing a model that puts farmer and land manger decisions at the core. There are a number of objectives that the scoping study should achieve, these predominantly look at exploring the current capabilities of Defra and the method of developing a model which incorporates different agent behaviours. The objectives are summarised below. Given the complexity of the system in which our policy outcomes are situated, we need to understand the available modelling options, e.g. agent based modelling, and the extent to which they can support the objectives above. The central aim of this study if to come up with a plan for developing level 1 of the model which: - Uses existing data and knowledge as far as possible, minimising the need to collect additional data/evidence - Allows us to link level 1 to existing models so as to build in the higher levels at a later date - Can be used and maintained by Defra staff to ensure future value of the model