Modeling for agricultural sector development planning in Korea

This paper presents a brief overview focusing on the model development, testing, and utilization by the Michigan State University Agricultural Sector Analysis and Simulation Projects team in Korea over the five-year period, 1971-1976. First the development of the Agricultural Sector Analysis and Simulation work at MSU and the scope of the project in Korea, including our multiple objectives of model development, institutionalization, and utilization, is discussed. Next is a section on the general systems simulation approach as practiced by the MSU team, with respect to philosophies, techniques, sources and kinds of data and information. The models are then presented, using block diagrams, with an explanation of the linkages and variable flows, performance variables, data requirements and policies which can be assessed. Finally, some lessons learned from the experience are detailed, with respect to credibility with decision makers, and utilization.