Role playing games for arboRise? In the lively atmosphere of the Viaduc in Paris, a few budding apprentice farmers are learning (laughing) how to make the best crop choices. Should I plant groundnuts on my land or invest in a cashew plantation? Ouch, my fertile land should be left fallow! What should I do with the land planted with arboRise?
Experience in the field shows that a playful approach is often the best way to understand the decision-making processes within a group. And we have the ideal partner, as we have the expert advice of ETHZ researchers who are recognised specialists in the development of these games (as shown in this video). Role playing games allow each player to experiment with virtual choices, without having to face the consequences in real life. This space of freedom is conducive to the discovery of new forms of interaction between partners, both in and out of the game.
In a few rounds, the game developed by ETH for arboRise proved its relevance: it was very easy to simulate the possibilities offered by reforestation to the population and how they could adopt this new agroforestry culture. It was also possible to quickly see what risks the young forests planted by arboRise are running.
The next step is to play with the local population during the second field mission of our joint research project, in 10 days! In addition to understanding individual decision-making, the game will also highlight the processes of co-decision, mutual aid and self-management, which our action could encourage in the future.
