Dialogue with Different Fields Surrounding Agriculture through the Development of Research using Simulation Methods

Abstract

Simulation is a thought process that foresees the uncertain future and guides for a better future by altering the present behavior and social system on the basis of the information received. Currently, when agriculture and forestry are changing rapidly, and its future is uncertain, research using simulation is beneficial for developing regional agriculture and forestry economics. In Japan, this is particularly relevant when the significance of agriculture and forestry is decreasing. It is a critical mission of the regional agricultural and forestry economic associations to not only address the problems in reality but also engender a drastic paradigm shift and innovation within the region. Therefore, it is essential to integrate knowledge from not only narrow economics but also various academic fields and to urgently publish new research results. The present study introduces a research example using multi-agent simulation and solution of a traveling salesman’s problem using several simulation approaches. Furthermore, it also recommends further studies using simulation in the future by exhibiting many useful experiences as encountered by the author in the process.