Effect of a participatory approach on the successful development of agricultural decision support systems: The case of Pigs2win

This paper explores how a decision support system (DSS) can be developed that complies with the critical success factors of such systems. A participatory approach is used to develop Pigs2win, a DSS for Flemish pig farms. Pigs2win uses frontier analysis for comparative farm analysis. The participatory approach influences the selection of stakeholders, objective setting and evaluation of Pigs2win. Outcomes of the participatory approach result in features of Pigs2win that positively influence its compliance with critical success factors. Based on our experience with Pigs2win, we put forward points that need attention when a participatory approach is organized. ► A participatory approach is used to develop Pigs2win, a DSS for Flemish pig farms. ► The approach affects stakeholder selection, objective and evaluation of Pigs2win. ► The approach results in the compliance of Pigs2win with critical success factors. ► Attention should be paid to the selection and collaboration of stakeholders. ► Flexible participation must be balanced with available time and defined scope.