Integrating public/local and scientific knowledge in model development for food-energy-water systems

Conceptual and mental models are useful platforms for communicating and understanding how systems work. However, models or frameworks that are not aligned with the perceptions and understanding of the local stakeholders can propagate model output errors and uncertainties. This paper focuses on two sources of epistemic uncertainty in building food-energy-water systems (FEWS) models: (1) context and framing; and (2) model structure uncertainty. To address these uncertainties, we co-construct the FEWS conceptual model with key stakeholders using the Actor-ResourcesDynamics-Interaction (ARDI) method. The method was adopted to specifically integrate public (and local) knowledge of stakeholders in the Magic Valley region of Southern Idaho into a FEWS model. We first used the ARDI method with scientists and modellers (from various disciplines) working on the system, and then later applied this method with local stakeholders. Afterwards, we compared the results and made necessary adjustments in the conceptual model to align with local stakeholders’ understanding of the FEWS. This co-conceptual modelling process with local stakeholders allows for the incorporation of different perspectives and different types knowledge into a system model.