Systems Thinking is very powerful especially when used in groups. By making our individual understanding explicit, it can be shared, challenged and understood by others. Together we create a group diagram with the benefit of pooled knowledge.

Once we have an agreed cause and effect map we can use software called "Vensim" to identify feedback and create driver trees. A free ple edition of this software is available to download at www.vensim.com.

Using maps to inform choice

These diagrams only make a contribution when they are linked to decision making and action ie when they are used to inform and explore choice.
To do this we need to understand:
• What variables in this system are within our influence? How can we influence them? How long will it take?
• What will happen over time if we take action on a variable? Are there any bad long term consequences? How can we mitigate them?
• Is our proposal a global system solution or does it simply mask the symptoms or move the problem elsewhere?

Often it is difficult to answer these questions with any degree of certainty. There are always risks. Under these circumstances it is important to regard any intervention as an experiment and to monitor the results carefully over time. The DPM approach can also help us to identify the key measurement points in the system so that we are able to do this effectively and efficiently.

Further examples of cause and effect maps can be found at http://causeeffectmaps.blogspot.com/

Thoughts on Jamie's Ministry of Food Manifesto

The first thing I do when reading a strategy document such as Jamie’s Manifesto is to try to draw the cause and effect diagram showing how the actions proposed will lead to the improvements promised. You can find out more about how to create a cause and effect diagram and, in particular, the diagram I created for Jamie's manifesto in my previous blog here.

Overall I found the diagram relatively easy to draw. This means that the manifesto is clearly written and internally consistent. I particularly admire how the proposals are about kicking off virtuous reinforcing feedback so that the impact is sustained. However, I do feel that there are some challenges which are not addressed and some missed opportunities.

Here are 3 challenges and 3 opportunties to get the debate started:

Challenge 1
Justify the link from cooking at home to obesity – how does that work? Obesity is not about what we eat – it is about calories in and calories out. The knowledge we need is about a balanced diet…..about nutrition. And about quantities (moderation). We need to start looking after our bodies properly. We don’t put the wrong fuel in our cars and expect them to work so why do we do this with our bodies? Actually cooking plays very little part in this. Most foods should be eaten in as close to their raw state as possible! Many of the cooks I know are overweight…..this is down to 2 factors quantity of calories consumed and lack of exercise. Gardening is not fittening….it supples and helps build muscle when done properly but there is little cardiovascular fitness achieved.

Why do we eat too much? How can we address root causes?

Challenge 2
Do we really need permanent centres? What happens when everyone has been reached? Couldn’t we just use existing facilities in schools and businesses rather than creating more buildings and further reinforcing global warming. When I was in University halls of residence we shared kitchen facilities. It was a great way of meeting, sharing ideas and discussing things while eating.

Challenge 3
Cheap food – Aldi and others already do this. Food should not be cheap. It is the most important thing we have. We want a fair price not a cheap price. The more farmers are squeezed, the less healthy will be the food. The French are used to paying more for ingredients because they value food. In the UK we don’t value food. We value entertainment not education and health. I think that it is this that we must aim to change.

Opportunity 1
People eating together and sharing (food and knowledge) is important….this builds communities. Stronger communities inhibit crime.

Opportunity 2
Vegetarianism is one of the most eco-friendly things we can do.

Opportunity 3
If bloggers on Jamie's website spent the time they spend sharing exotic recipes on teaching basic skills elsewhere then we may just achieve something very special. How can you make a difference?

Thoughts?