Soft systems methodology

SSM as a methodology lends itself particularly well for dealing with complex situations where those involved lack a common agreement on what constitutes the problem that needs to be addressed. The aim of SSM is to bring about improvements in a situation perceived as problematical. As such, it does not seek to solve ‘the problem’ but to facilitate a learning process which allows its users to gradually develop a more comprehensive understanding of the situation under study. In contrast to hard systems, such as computer or transport systems, soft systems are mental constructs for human understanding. When applied to agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKIS), the AKIS could be described as a system to help farmers escape poverty, or a system to increase agricultural production, or a system to develop technologies that have a high theoretical yield potential. SSM supposes a systems approach as described in systems thinking.

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