Using games to support multi-stakeholder decision-making for sustainable development of livestock production

Decision-making for sustainable development of agricultural regions is challenged by the complexity of the livestock system and the involvement of multiple actors. To support the decision-making process, model-based games could improve the understanding of possible consequences of decisions at hand. This study analysed the opportunities to use model-based games in order to support the decision- making process in the Peelhorst region, an area with a high livestock density in the south of the Netherlands. Stakeholders were interviewed to identify key issues in the decision-making process. This yielded two types of issues: 1) issues related to the sustainability of the livestock system; such as public health and odour and 2) process related issues, i.e. issues related to governance or stakeholder interaction, such as trust and awareness. For each issue a literature review was made and possible indicators and models were identified. For half of the issues clear indicators or models were found, whereas for the other half no clear indicator could be defined and additional research is needed. Tackling issues related to governance requires discussions or workshops with relevant stakeholders. Model-based games could feed into these discussions to encourage knowledge exchange and support decision-making.