A structured participatory method to support policy option analysis in a social-ecological system

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Policy Analysis
• Systems Thinking

Background:

• Social-Ecological Systems (SES) face complex sustainability challenges, often lacking data and involving conflicting interests.
• Effective policy analysis requires methods that can handle complexity and diverse stakeholder perspectives.
• Water scarcity in Rafsanjan, Iran, exemplifies a problematic SES requiring integrated management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a structured participatory method for policy option analysis in complex SES.
• To integrate the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model with Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) for enhanced system understanding.
• To capture and compare stakeholder knowledge and perceptions regarding water scarcity in Rafsanjan.

Main Methods:

• A novel mixed-method approach combining DPSIR and FCM was employed.
• Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) were constructed from data gathered from 60 farmers and 40 policymakers/researchers.
• The method facilitated the simulation of alternative policy options based on distinct stakeholder group perceptions.

Main Results:

• The study identified similarities and differences in knowledge and problem perception between farmers and policymakers/researchers.
• Farmers emphasized economic diversification for water shortage reduction and distrusted government regulation.
• Policymakers and researchers favored government control and monitoring for addressing water scarcity.

Conclusions:

• The combined DPSIR-FCM approach effectively addresses the complexity and data limitations of SES problems.
• Stakeholder participation is crucial for understanding diverse perspectives in policy analysis.
• Addressing water scarcity requires acknowledging and bridging divergent views between local communities and governing bodies.