A multi-agent model for describing transhumance in North Cameroon: Comparison of different rationality to develop a routine

This paper introduces an application using multi-agent system to model an a rtificial society. The work follows a field research in economics in Camero on about the behavior of nomad herdsmen securing their access to rangelands . Two central elements were stressed: regularity in meetings and flexibilit y while facing problems. Experiments run through simulations, testing two r ationales: choices based on the notion of cost, or herdsmen taking into acc ount the history of meetings. The system successfully shows regular dynamic s, and huge differences are observed, depending on the rationality used. We conclude on the importance of the rationality described in modeling a syst em. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. JEL cl assification: C63; Q24; B41; C99.