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Structuring the problematic situation of smallholder beef farming in Central Java Indonesia: using systems thinking as an entry point to taming complexity

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  • Setianto, N.A.
  • Cameron, D.C.
  • Gaughan, J.B.

Abstract

Improving smallholders’ performance remains a seemingly intractable central issue for beef farming development in Indonesia. Studying a complex system such as beef farming requires a systemic approach. This paper reports on the combined use of three complementary systems approaches to structure and subsequently model the problem situation as the first research step towards seeking effective solutions. System Dynamics (SD) is considered to be a powerful methodology for taming the complexity of a system. However its problem identification stage has been criticized as being insensitive to the multiple interests and power structures likely to occur in a smallholder system. This study aimed to explore the possibility of combining Soft System Methodology (SSM) and Critical System Heuristics (CSH) to overcome that limitation and accommodate multiple perspectives including smallholder views on system improvements. A series of interviews and workshops involving 2 farmer groups was undertaken in Central Java, Indonesia. The benefits of inclusion of CSH in the research protocol included its ability to embrace the opinions of the less-powerful stakeholders - the farmers. Thus, for the stakeholders, it provides a better understanding of the system than provided by a combination of SD and SSM, and thereby the potential for facilitating development of more effective interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Setianto, N.A. & Cameron, D.C. & Gaughan, J.B., 2014. "Structuring the problematic situation of smallholder beef farming in Central Java Indonesia: using systems thinking as an entry point to taming complexity," International Journal of Agricultural Management, Institute of Agricultural Management, vol. 3(3), pages 1-11.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ijameu:236908
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.236908
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zenal Asikin & Derek Baker & Renato Villano & Arief Daryanto, 2020. "Business Models and Innovation in the Indonesian Smallholder Beef Value Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-13, August.
    2. Parisa Alizadeh & Hosein Mohammadi & Naser Shahnoushi & Sayed Saghaian & Alireza Pooya, 2020. "Application of System Thinking Approach in Identifying the Challenges of Beef Value Chain," AGRIS on-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Economics and Management, vol. 12(2), June.
    3. Novie Andri Setianto & Donald Cameron & John B. Gaughan, 2014. "Identifying Archetypes of an Enhanced System Dynamics Causal Loop Diagram in Pursuit of Strategies to Improve Smallholder Beef Farming in Java, Indonesia," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 642-654, September.

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