D2.4 Selection of agent-based modelling tools  suitable for agri-food value chains
Creators: name: Viira, Ants-Hannes
name: Lamprinakis, Lampros
name: Mattas, Konstadinos
name: Theofilou, Asterios
name: Solovyeva, Irina
name: Rodriguez, Santiago
name: Yercan, Murat
name: Knez, Marija
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2022

description: Task 2.4 synthesized the results of preceding tasks 2.1 Reviewing of agri-food value chain tools; 2.2 Reviewing of agent-based modelling tools; and 2.3 Reviewing of biodiversity in the value chain to summarize the general value chain framework, the key value chain segments and environmental elements, as well as characteristics of value chain agents and relationships between agents. This information could be used in developing questionnaires for data collection in order to characterize value chain agents and their interrelationships in specific details. Also, crucial points to keep in mind in the technical execution of agent-based model were outlined.  

It was established that from the different approaches of value chain analysis, functional analysis is most appropriate for the BioValue project and tool development. Functional analysis produces common typologies, flow charts, considers sub-chains, establishes geographical boundaries, and considers temporal dimension, all of which are relevant and functional inputs for development of any model.

Task 2.1 reviewed properties of underutilized crops from production, environment, processing and consumption perspectives. Literature review conducted in Task 2.3 confirmed some of these factors and added additional ones. These properties are relevant both, from the value chain development, but also value chain modelling perspectives.

FAO Sustainable food value chain framework summarizes well the concept and context for the development of value chains for underutilized crops. The review of agent-based modelling tools outlined two main interaction arenas for agents. First, agents interact with other agents. In other words, business in the segments of the value chain interact with business within their segment and also with businesses in different segments of the value chain. Second, agents also interact with environment. Here, the environment should be considered in a wider sense, as an enabling environment that comprises economic, natural environmental and societal domains. 

Considering the actors in the extended value chain and also literature review conducted in Task 2.3, it is advisable to include in the model explicitly input segment that focuses on production and distribution of seeds for underutilized crops. Also, interactions with natural environment and organizations that may have a role in value chain development should be considered. Another aspect to consider is to enable flexibility for flows of products, money and information between value chain segments.

The main critical aspects of each value chain segment were outlined, which may have relevance for developing BioValue agent-based model. Also, the characteristics and preferences of agents, their key drivers and linkages between them were outlined for the model development.  

For the technical model building, it is advisable to start from more simpler value chain representations and interactions between agents, however, if it foreseen that step-by-step, more complex setup is achieved, it might be advisable to select more complex and comprehensive technical tools from the start on