SIMULATION MODELING: A DECISION SUPPORT TOOL FOR NIGERIA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT

Modeling involves assembling the major biological and physical components of a system and using them to predict or simulate the behavior of that system. Agricultural models have many current and potential uses for answering questions in research, agricultural production systems, weather/climate management and geographical information system (GIS/remote sensing), as well as in agricultural policy. Complexity of agricultural production system in Nigeria however, requires caution in model adoption and application. This is because appropriate use of production system for a particular purpose depends on whether the model complexity is feasible to the question being asked and the model being tested in diverse environment. Model testing depends greatly on the scope, quality and availability of experimental data in form of minimum data set. The paper outlined processes of modeling, minimum data set required for agronomic model development, validation and application and proffered recommendations for realistic use and application of model in Nigerian agricultural production environment.