Agent based modeling as a simulation tool for technology diffusion and policy analysis in quilombola communities (Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo)

• Grant number: 11/10666-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: January 01, 2012
• End date: June 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Cristina Adams
• Grantee: Cristina Adams
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Carla Morsello ; Carlos de Brito Pereira ; Fernando Fagundes Ferreira ; Flávia Mori Sarti ; Lucia Chamlian Munari ; LUIZ CARLOS BEDUSCHI FILHO ; Rui Sérgio Sereni Murrieta

Abstract

The main goal of this proposal is to build a Multiagent System Model (MAS) to unveil the process of technology adoption and diffusion in a small scale family agriculture system in the Atlantic Rainforest (Ribeira Valley, São Paulo, Brazil). Its innovative character resides in two main components: 1. the parameterization of the model will be based on empirical data, as opposed to more frequently used toy models; 2. it will be applied to a shifting-cultivation system, central to the debate on biodiversity conservation in tropical forests. The goals will be achieved using a multidisciplinary methodology, applying methods from the social sciences and complex systems modeling. The results will contribute to the simulation and evaluation of rural development policies aimed at small scale family farmers, essential to food security in Brazil. (AU)