Abstract
As the human population continues increasing rapidly and climate change accelerates, resource depletion is becoming an international problem. Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) has been suggested as a method to conserve resources while simultaneously empowering traditionally marginalized communities. Because classical equation-based modeling methods fail to capture the complexity of CBNRM, Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) has emerged as a primary method of modeling these systems. In this investigation, we conduct a sensitivity analysis and thorough evaluation of an existing ABM of community forest management. We then modify the original model by providing a new enforcement mechanism that improves the validity of both the conceptual foundation and emergent behaviors of the model. We finish by conducting a second sensitivity analysis and evaluation of the new model. While this model remains imperfect, we hope future work will be able to use the model to build a greater understanding of CBNRM and apply this understanding to help propagate successful CBNRM systems around the world.
Advisor
Long, Colby
Department
Mathematics
Recommended Citation
Lapp, Maya M., "Modeling Community Resource Management: an Agent-Based Approach" (2020). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 9175.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/9175
Disciplines
Natural Resources Management and Policy | Other Applied Mathematics
Keywords
community-based natural resource management, agent-based modeling, environment, natural resources, conservation, sustainability, resource policy, sensitivity analysis, CBNRM
Publication Date
2020
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis Exemplar
© Copyright 2020 Maya M. Lapp