Computer-based methods of integrated modelling and assessment provide an important means for reviewing policy choices in natural resource management (NRM). Research in support of NRM needs to address a wide range of issues involved, from point-scale biophysical, to business-scale human, to regional-scale planning issues. Research covering the full scope of such issues is by default multi-disciplinary and integrative and therefore analytically, methodologically and operationally challenging. The recently initiated Ord-Bonaparte Program is an example of a research and development program attempting to achieve both levels of integration in an applied NRM context. One key requirement for the success of the program lies in developing a systems framework that: (i) enables the integration of the various disciplinary research activities; and (ii) facilitates the implementation of research outputs by making integrated science relevant to decision-makers and translating new knowledge into outcomes for sustainable regional development. This paper proposes an approaches for such a systems framework.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.