Integrating participatory stock and flow models with advanced process models for sustainability assessment in small-scale tropical agricultural systems

Small-scale agricultural production systems are characterized by high diversity and complex interactions that challenge their long-term ecological sustainability. This study presents an early-stage methodological prototype that conceptually links participatory stock-and-flow modeling with process-based modeling approaches to improve sustainability assessments in tropical small-scale farming systems. By combining the intuitive and accessible design of system dynamics modeling (SDM) tools such as Stella Architect with the scientific rigor of biogeochemical models such as DNDC (Denitrification–Decomposition), the approach illustrates, at a conceptual level, how participatory SDM can make complex frameworks more understandable and useable for diverse stakeholders. Applied to the context of Mariato, Panama, the prototype simulates key ecological processes—such as soil organic carbon dynamics, nutrient flows, and crop productivity—through an interface designed for both technical and non-technical users. This exploratory framework enables the visualization of sustainability scenarios, supports dialogue on trade-offs, and fosters understanding of system feedbacks without requiring advanced modeling expertise. The results highlight the potential of participatory SDM as a bridge between scientific modeling and practical decision-making, contributing to the democratization of sustainability assessment tools for smallholder agriculture.