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Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Ecology and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 50298

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lalisa A Duguma

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Guest Editor

World Agroforestry (International Centre for Research in Agroforestry – ICRAF), Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Interests: ecosystem-based adaptation; community-based resource management; tree-based sustainable energy systems; sustainable forest management; sustainable environments in humanitarian settings

Dr. Peter A Minang

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Guest Editor

World Agroforestry (International Centre for Research In Agroforestry – ICRAF), Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Interests: nexus between adaptation and mitigation to climate change; the interface between environmental services and development; multifunctional landscapes; landscape governance and the governance of tree commodities

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Humans have lived with ecosystems for millions of years. This coexistence and nurturing of one another’s current and future needs has kept the planet thriving for years. However, this is no longer the case. Human activities, largely driven by extractive resource use, has threatened the future of the planet and its ecosystems—from the oceans to the forests and to microbial organisms below the surface. The prevalent challenges of deforestation, pollution, climate change, migration, etc. are largely the consequences of our own way of life that failed to take into account the future of the ecosystem that is supporting our future. The solution therefore only lies with humans, by reshaping our relations with nature and helping communities at all levels to prioritize such actions.

The impacts of climate change are becoming so concerning that measures are sought for to help reduce its impacts. Despite the huge investments in technology to abate the problem, countries such as those in sub-Saharan Africa where resources available to invest in technological solutions are lacking are suffering disproportionately. To sustainably reduce the impacts of climate change at wider scale (i.e., both locally and globally), looking back at how people could cope with climate change impacts through the ecosystem services generated from ecosystems is crucial. For this reason, investments in ecosystem-based approaches to climate change both for mitigation and adaptation needs are growing. Building effective ecosystem-based approaches requires an in-depth understanding of people–nature relationships and how we can build the lost mutual relationships between the two.

This Special Issue focuses on building resilience and sustainability at the local level using the principles of social ecology as the founding attributes. This includes addressing the needs of the people and the ecosystem such that both thrive together, forging a sustainable pathway while ensuring the generation of ecosystem services for both people and biodiversity. The geographic focus is largely sub-Saharan Africa, but submissions from other regions of the world with relevant experiences are also welcome.

Manuscripts on the following topics are very welcome:

Ecosystem-based adaptation;
Managing climate risks for the future;
Bottom-up approaches to addressing climate change;
Nature-based enterprises as a resilience strategy;
Community natural resources management;
People–nature interactions;
Transhumance;
Governance of energy supply sources in dryland ecosystems;
Human migration and ecosystems;
Restoration of ecosystem services.

This Special Issue addresses the wide knowledge gap in how social ecology could influence both the resilience agenda and sustainability at local and global scales. It covers the missing link on how people at multiple scales could play a crucial role in addressing climate change from multiple angles through nurturing ecosystems.

Dr. Lalisa A Duguma
Dr. Peter A Minang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

society
ecology
resilience
ecosystem-based adaptation
people–nature–adaptation nexus
ecosystem services
restoration

Published Papers (13 papers)

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35 pages, 25725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Climate Change, Variability, and Food Security: Understanding the Impacts and Building Resilient Food Systems in West Pokot County, Kenya

by Everlyne B. Obwocha, Joshua J. Ramisch, Lalisa Duguma and Levi Orero

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020765 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3782

Abstract

This study integrated local and scientific knowledge to assess the impacts of climate change and variability on food security in West Pokot County, Kenya from 1980–2012. It characterized rainfall and temperature from 1980–2011 and the phenology of agricultural vegetation, assessed land use and land cover (LULC) changes, and surveyed local knowledge and perceptions of the relationships between climate change and variability, land use decisions, and food (in)security. The 124 respondents were aware of long-term changes in their environment, with 68% strongly believing that climate has become more variable. The majority of the respondents (88%) reported declining rainfall and rising temperatures, with respondents in the lowland areas reporting shortened growing seasons that affected food production. Meteorological data for 1980–2011 confirmed high inter-annual rainfall variability around the mean value of 973.4 mm/yr but with no notable trend. Temperature data showed an increasing trend between 1980 and 2012 with lowlands and highlands showing changes of +1.25 °C and +1.29 °C, respectively. Land use and land cover changes between 1984 and 2010 showed cropland area increased by +4176% (+33,138 ha), while grassland and forest areas declined by –49% (–96,988 ha) and –38% (–65,010 ha), respectively. These area changes illustrate human-mediated responses to the rainfall variability, such as increased stocking after good rainfall years and crop area expansion. The mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values ranged from 0.36–0.54 within a year, peaking in May and September. For weather-related planning, respondents relied on radio (64%) and traditional forecasters (26%) as predominant information sources. Supporting continuous climate change monitoring, intensified early warning systems, and disseminating relevant information to farmers could help farmers adopt appropriate adaptation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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12 pages, 1464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity of Soil Dwelling Collembola in a Forest, Vegetable and Tea Ecosystems of Assam, India

by Sudhansu Bhagawati, Badal Bhattacharyya, Binoy K. Medhi, Snigdha Bhattacharjee and Himangshu Mishra

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12628; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212628 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2195

Abstract

Land use change has a great impact in determining the diversity patterns of soil fauna. Adoption of any land use pattern significantly affects the soil structure and its physico-chemical characteristics, which often leads to the loss of biodiversity. Considering the collembolans as the key organism in the indicator shopping basket of soil environment, the response of Collembola communities under three different land uses represented by forest, vegetable and tea ecosystems was studied. Collembolans were sampled at monthly intervals using Tullgren funnel and identified by standard taxonomic keys. Diversity analysis and soil chemo-edaphic factors were studied to establish the impact of different land uses on Collembola communities. Five genera of Collembola viz., Cyphoderus, Entomobrya, Isotoma, Folsomia and Hypogastrura were recorded from the forest ecosystem whereas Folsomia was completely absent in vegetable ecosystem and the tea ecosystem soil was devoid of both Folsomia and Hypogastrura. Seasonal diversity and density of Collembola were recorded to be higher in the forest ecosystem indicating the presence of relatively stable habitats as compared to vegetable and tea ecosystems showing relatively disturbed habitats. Correlation studies between different chemo-edaphic factors and collembolan population revealed that the moisture and organic carbon content of soil had significant positive correlation during all the four seasons in all the ecosystems studied. Higher adoption of mechanical and chemo-centric agriculture depletes the available resources of the soil and makes it less habitable and conducive for the growth and sustenance of collembolans in vegetable and tea ecosystem as compared to forest. Appropriate landscape planning, land management strategies and developing proper methods of land use practices may pave the way for the improvement of collembolan diversity at landscape level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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23 pages, 5151 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Framework for Monitoring Ecosystems-Based Adaptation to Climate Change: Experience from The Gambia

by Peter Gilruth, Lalisa A. Duguma, Peter A. Minang, Alagie Bah, Malanding S. Jaiteh, Solomon Mwangi and Muhammad Ahmad

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10959; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910959 - 2 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2447

Abstract

Implementing ecosystems-based adaptation (EbA) to climate change is challenged by the need to monitor biophysical, socio-cultural, and economic impacts which are usually context-specific. Therefore, robust frameworks are required that integrate impacts to better understand EbA effectiveness. Monitoring frameworks that are universally applicable to EbA are desirable, however their universal application is problematic as they should reflect a community-driven design that accommodates both donor reporting functions and the generation of local-level data and information to support management actions and community initiatives. Initial products from this research include a generic, five-step process for developing and testing adaptation indicators, a robust framework consisting of (i) the indicators, data and information used to design the framework, (ii) the operational EbA platform that houses and computes the adaptation indicators, and (iii) the participating institutions, and initial, community-level applications to guide water management, replenishment of the vegetation cover, and business development. Immediate benefits to rural communities include the re-orientation of performance indicators mapped to their needs as opposed to donor reporting alone. The framework contributes to the set of tools currently in use for EbA monitoring by offering an umbrella within which existing tools can be applied. Near-term future research will focus on improving the utility of the framework and its platform beyond reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) by adapting the EbA platform to support changing management needs. Future research will be needed to understand the extent to which the environmental changes in The Gambia compared to changes across the Sahel and Sudano-Sahel regions of West Africa and whether the lessons learned from The Gambia could be extrapolated to the subregion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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23 pages, 3606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coalitions for Landscape Resilience: Institutional Dynamics behind Community-Based Rangeland Management System in North-Western Tanzania

by Salla Eilola, Lalisa Duguma, Niina Käyhkö and Peter A. Minang

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10939; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910939 - 1 Oct 2021

Viewed by 2144

Abstract

The past few decades have seen a continuing shift of natural resource management paradigm towards multifunctional and multi-actor adaptive management in hope of achieving more resilient landscapes. Recognizing the multitude of institutional actors and their roles as well as dynamics helps to understand communal behaviour, its manifestations in the landscape and resilience under changing socioecological circumstances. We examined institutional actors and their functions and relationships in a long-standing community-based natural resource management system, the ngitili, in north-western part of Tanzania. The aim of the research was to deepen understanding on the role of institutional arrangements and their limitations in supporting resilience of community-based management system. Data was collected through group discussions and interviews in three case study villages and district level, and institutional arrangements were analysed using 4Rs framework and social network analysis. The study shows that the management arrangements have evolved with time and are based on locally negotiated roles and collaboration among bureaucratic and socially embedded village level actors. These local level actors are resource poor, which hinders collaboration and implementation of ngitili management functions. External interventions have temporarily increased management efficiency in the villages but they did not create sustained multi-scale collaboration networks to address external threats to the ngitili resources. The results show that diversified funding sources, technical support and benefit sharing mechanisms are required to incentivize sustainable resource management. For the management system to be more resilient, the existing institutional actors and their ability to adapt should be nurtured by awareness raising, wider stakeholder participation and bridging organizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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19 pages, 436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

National and International Policies and Policy Instruments in the Development of Agroforestry in Chad

by Divine Foundjem-Tita, Ann Degrande and Cyrille Bergaly Kamdem

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9200; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169200 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2508

Abstract

The potential of agroforestry to improve livelihoods and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation has been widely recognized, especially within the context of climate-smart agriculture. However, agroforestry opportunities have not been fully exploited because of several reasons, among which are adverse policies and legislations. However, many countries do not have a full understanding of how their policy and institutional environment may affect agroforestry development. We aim to fill this gap by looking at the particular case of Chad. The method used included examining data from: (i) literature reviews of important national and international polices, strategies, and legislation governing access to land and trees, among which are ‘La Loi 14’, Chad’s 2010 poverty reduction strategy paper, draft zero of the National Environmental Policy, (ii) interviews and focus group discussions with NGOs, government officials, and farmers, and (iii) surveys with 100 households. Results show that Chad has no specific agroforestry policy but opportunities for agroforestry can be found in some of the above-mentioned policy documents and government strategies. Most stakeholders interviewed had positive attitudes towards agroforestry, but uptake of the practice is handicapped by poor understanding of the forestry law by farmers and forestry officials. Gaps in existing laws give room for rent-seekers to collect individual (USD 272–909) and collective (USD 36–1818) access fees to trees on both forest and farmland. We propose that the government of Chad should unmask elements of agroforestry in existing policies and policy instruments to demonstrate its importance in responding to livelihood and environmental challenges in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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24 pages, 2236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Landscape Governance and Sustainable Land Restoration: Evidence from Shinyanga, Tanzania

by Judith Nzyoka, Peter A. Minang, Priscilla Wainaina, Lalisa Duguma, Lucas Manda and Emmanuel Temu

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7730; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147730 - 11 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3071

Abstract

Inclusive land restoration is increasingly considered to be a critical sustainable pathway to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in developing countries. The literature suggests that good governance practices support successful sustainable natural resource management. The study assesses the role of landscape governance in a long-term thriving forest and landscape restoration project in Shinyanga. We apply the good governance principles, which include participation, representation and legitimacy, actor interactors, equity and fairness, accountability and transparency, and respect for local knowledge. Descriptive methods are used to analyze the data collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The evidence suggests that all of the principles contributed positively to the successful restoration, except for accountability and transparency. Building on local knowledge and institutions, the local rules and norms of restoration constituted the foundation of the success. Equity and empowerment were the least influential attributes due to the exclusion of women in the management of the restoration areas. The actors identified the enhancement of the incentives, equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, performance, and accountability instruments as the key governance aspects that would benefit land restoration at the landscape level. Furthermore, cohesion and synergies amongst the different actors, the governing structures, and recognizing formal and informal institutions’ interactions are vital determinants of restoration outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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22 pages, 19433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding People−Forest Relationships: A Key Requirement for Appropriate Forest Governance in South Sumatra, Indonesia

by Jun Harbi, Yukun Cao, Noril Milantara, Gamin, Ade Brian Mustafa and Nathan James Roberts

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7029; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137029 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3775

Abstract

Indonesian forestry challenges in attributional land-use conflicts of overlapping villages and state forests have affected community livelihoods and forest sustainability for decades. This empirical research uncovers the socio-economic attributes of villages in order to gain a better understanding of people−forest relationships in order to guide improved forest management and governance for long-term sustainability. Data were obtained from 69 villages located in the forest management unit of Lakitan Bukit Cogong in South Sumatra Province. Spatially-explicit quantitative measurements and qualitative approaches were employed to explore the interrelationships between human footprint, village development, and conflict resolution strategies over two decades. The results confirmed that utilization of forest areas as part of the village territory (such as for building settlements, public/social infrastructure facilities, plantations and agricultural fields) has long been administered without permits, destabilizing forest functions. Moreover, aspects such as human population size, proximity of villages to the national road and sub-district capital, and the transmigration settlement units have an impact on the Human Footprint Index and Village Development Index. Furthermore, our analyses identified three distinctive forms of conflict based on village type: (1) villages which are administratively included in the forest area; (2) villages for transmigration settlement; and (3) villages adjacent to company management concession areas. In these villages, the clarity of land/forest boundaries and property rights are predominant conflict issues. Several recommendations are proposed to support sustainable forest development; namely, controlling human activities in the forest, improving village management governance, and resolving associated conflicts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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16 pages, 1063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Unexplored Socio-Cultural Benefits of Coffee Plants: Implications for the Sustainable Management of Ethiopia’s Coffee Forests

by Bikila Jabessa Bulitta and Lalisa A. Duguma

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3912; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073912 - 1 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6974

Abstract

Coffee is among the most popular commodity crops around the globe and supports the livelihoods of millions of households along its value chain. Historically, the broader understanding of the roles of coffee has been limited to its commercial value, which largely is derived from coffee, the drink. This study, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, explores some of the unrevealed socio-cultural services of coffee of which many people are not aware. The study was conducted in Gomma district, Jimma Zone, Oromia National Regional state, Ethiopia, where arabica coffee was first discovered in its natural habitat. Relying on a case study approach, our study uses ethnographic study methods whereby results are presented from the communities’ perspectives and the subsequent discussions with the communities on how the community perspectives could help to better manage coffee ecosystems. Coffee’s utilities and symbolic functions are numerous—food and drink, commodity crop, religious object, communication medium, heritage and inheritance. Most of the socio-cultural services are not widely known, and hence are not part of the benefits accounting of coffee systems. Understanding and including such socio-cultural benefits into the wider benefits of coffee systems could help in promoting improved management of the Ethiopian coffee forests that are the natural gene pools of this highly valuable crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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18 pages, 1749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potentials and Challenges of Achieving Sustainability through Charcoal Producer Associations in Kenya: A Missed Opportunity?

by Esther Kamwilu, Lalisa A. Duguma and Levi Orero

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2288; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042288 - 20 Feb 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3224

Abstract

The charcoal industry, specifically charcoal production, is tremendously valuable to Kenya for its contribution to economic, social and environmental nexus. Considering the degradation of ecosystems and charcoal production’s critical role, the government established the Forest (charcoal) rules of 2009, assigning commercial charcoal production under Charcoal Producer Associations (CPAs). Identifying numerous bans in the recent past, this paper sets out to understand CPAs’ potentials and challenges in attaining sustainability within the sector. Using focus group discussions with CPA members from Tana River and Kitui counties, the paper outlines analysed data within the functionality, governance and policy implications parameters of operation. The findings show high economic value for the members and an in-depth environmental significance to the communities within which these CPAs exist. Thus, we propose a schematic to enhance charcoal production processes to achieve sustainable ecosystems and livelihoods. There is high potential within the CPAs for the sector’s sustainability through monitoring platforms, restoration plans, adopting sustainable practices, knowledge dissemination and societal advancement. To advance this untapped potential of these associations, we recommend building their technical, business and governance skills, exploring various restoration schemes, financial and regulatory support in implementation, and policy support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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22 pages, 3267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Pandemic and Agroecosystem Resilience: Early Insights for Building Better Futures

by Lalisa A. Duguma, Meine van Noordwijk, Peter A. Minang and Kennedy Muthee

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031278 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6146

Abstract

The way the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted human lives and livelihoods constituted a stress test for agroecosystems in developing countries, as part of rural–urban systems and the global economy. We applied two conceptual schemes to dissect the evidence in peer-reviewed literature so far, as a basis for better understanding and enabling ‘building back better’. Reported positive impacts of the lockdown ‘anthropause’ on environmental conditions were likely only short-term, while progress towards sustainable development goals was more consistently set back especially for social aspects such as livelihood, employment, and income. The loss of interconnectedness, driving loss of assets, followed a ‘collapse’ cascade that included urban-to-rural migration due to loss of urban jobs, and illegal exploitation of forests and wildlife. Agricultural activities geared to international trade were generally disrupted, while more local markets flourished. Improved understanding of these pathways is needed for synergy between the emerging adaptive, mitigative, transformative, and reimaginative responses. Dominant efficiency-seeking strategies that increase fragility will have to be re-evaluated to be better prepared for further pandemics, that current Human–Nature interactions are likely to trigger. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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17 pages, 3024 KiB

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Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Practices as a Nature-Based Solution to Promote Water-Energy-Food Nexus Balance

by Kennedy Muthee, Lalisa Duguma, Judith Nzyoka and Peter Minang

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031142 - 22 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5083

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the contributions of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) practices to the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus balance, design practical pathways, and analyze barriers towards achievement of EbA-WEF balance. An area case study and descriptive methods were used to analyze data collected from 50 community forests (CFs) spread across three regions in The Gambia. Extensive information from relevant literature sources was also referred to in this study. Fourteen priority EbA practices were established and categorized into four major groups based on their application similarities. Among the anticipated ecosystem services were enhanced water resource conservation, food and feed production, enhanced energy supply, and improved community livelihoods to enhance their resilience. Pathways on how each practice under the broad category contributes to water, energy, and food were developed to demonstrate how they individually and collectively contribute towards the nexus balance. Key enablers identified included a conducive policy framework, institutional support, diverse incentives, information, knowledge, and technology transfer, and climate and non-climate barriers were cited as impediments. The paper concludes by outlining recommendations to overcome the established barriers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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18 pages, 827 KiB

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A Review of the Trade-Offs across Different Cocoa Production Systems in Ghana

by Priscilla Wainaina, Peter A. Minang, Lalisa Duguma and Kennedy Muthee

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10945; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910945 - 1 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5035

Abstract

Cocoa production is one of the leading causes of deforestation in West Africa. Agroforestry cocoa systems are increasingly promoted as a possible solution to deforestation. This study seeks to understand the trade-offs within agroforestry cocoa in full-sun and high-tech plantation cocoa systems in Ghana. It uses secondary data collected from an extensive literature search. The results established various trade-offs between cocoa yields and other provisioning services derived from the agroforestry services. While the cocoa yields in high-tech systems are almost thrice those in agroforestry systems, the total value of all the provisioning services is highest within the shaded systems. The economic value of per hectarage yield is estimated at USD 8140, USD 5320 and USD 5050 for shaded, full-sun and high-tech systems, respectively. Agroforestry systems also have higher ecosystem services compared to full-sun cocoa and high-tech cocoa systems. The high pesticide use in Ghana′s high-tech cocoa systems is also strongly linked to water and soil pollution, as well as adverse effects on human health. The study concludes that different cocoa production systems in Ghana yield different types of ecosystem provision and are associated with externalities such as the effect of pesticides on soils, water and human health, thus there is a need for the careful consideration of the system from policy and practice perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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21 pages, 981 KiB

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Modeling Non-Cooperative Water Use in River Basins

by Tesfaye Woldeyohanes, Arnim Kuhn, Thomas Heckelei and Lalisa Duguma

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8269; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158269 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1764

Abstract

Conventional water use and management models have mostly emulated purposefully designed water use systems where centralized governance and rule-based cooperation of agents are assumed. However, water use systems, whether actively governed or not, involve multiple, independent decision makers with diverse and often conflicting interests. In the absence of adequate water management institutions to effectively coordinate decision processes on water use, water users’ behaviors are rather likely to be non-cooperative, meaning that actions by individual users generate externalities and lead to sub-optimal water use efficiency. The objective of this review is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of recently proposed modeling systems dealing with non-cooperative water use regarding their ability to realistically represent the features of complex hydrological and socioeconomic processes and their tractability in terms of modeling tools and computational efficiency. For that purpose, we conducted a systematic review of 47 studies that address non-cooperative water use in decentralized modeling approaches. Even though such a decentralized approach should aim to model decisions by individual water users in non-cooperative water use, we find that most studies assumed the presence of a coordinating agency or market in their model. It also turns out that most of these models employed a solution procedure that sequentially solved independent economic decisions based on pre-defined conditions and heuristics, while only few modeling approaches offered simultaneous solution algorithms. We argue that this approach cannot adequately capture economic trade-offs in resource allocation, in contrast to models with simultaneous solution procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Ecology, Climate Resilience and Sustainability in the Tropics)

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