Helping Farmers

In collaboration with researchers from Iowa State University, industrial engineering Assistant Professor Caroline Krejci is helping develop a framework to analyze food, energy, and water systems in the greater Des Moines, Iowa, area. The goal is to create a social simulation model of farmers and consumers who interact, learn, and make decisions about producing or purchasing locally sourced food.

The model will test the impact of different policies on farmer and consumer decisions over time. The results of these decisions will then be linked to biophysical models created by other team members to determine their impact on the environment—and especially water quality—in and around Des Moines.

The project will take a holistic look at how changes in farming and consumer habits could affect climate, environment, and social factors. It also will explore the potential for increased urban agriculture, community gardens, and other green spaces within the city that could increase food security, improve energy efficiency in buildings, and dissipate heat.