A recent extension to the Information and Decision Support Systems (IDSS) provides a mechanism to assess the economic impacts of agricultural development that arise from technology-induced changes in yield potential and/or production costs at the farm level. To address this, we developed a decision support system linking a geographic information system (GIS), a sequential cropping modeling system (DSSAT), and the DREAM economic model (IFPRI) in a benchmark test in Carimagua, Colombia. Long-term sequential cropping simulations at different technology levels were compared with the analysis of the biophysical sustainability of a system coupled with the generation of relevant and structured economic information to support decision makers implementing agricultural policy, assigning priorities, and allocating limited resources. This process is critical for the improved assessment of both the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of agricultural research investments. 

For more information on this work, contact Dr. Paul W. Wilkens—pwilkens@ifdc.org)

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