TUM + Aalto SGT summer course explores economic land dynamics in West-Africa through innovative simulation

The summer course offered a dynamic simulation on land economics tailored for West African countries: Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The Aalto participants worked in groups, each managing one nation with roles including president and ministers for land, finance, transport, and diplomacy. Beginning in 1980, the simulation unfolds over 30 rounds, each representing two years, with historical and future events influencing gameplay.

The primary focus is on agricultural economies, where participants strategize between small-scale and large-scale farming of food and export crops. Decision-makers balance infrastructure, employment, and taxes to optimize resources like population and land. Key political decisions affect nationwide policy, regional development, and economic frameworks, with emphasis on agriculture, transportation, and land management.

At the same time, tourism, a potential income source, depends on strategic appeal against neighboring countries. The stakeholders ensure population happiness to maintain electoral success, while managing economic complexities such as loans and corruption.

This immersive experience is a practical platform for understanding political, economic, and social dynamics in West African countries, fostering critical thinking and cooperative problem-solving among participants. As participants navigate various challenges, they gain insights into effective governance, resource management, and sustainable development.

The simulation is under development by doctoral researcher Tobias Bendzko from the Technical University of Munich, Land Management department. Reflecting on the simulation, Tobias remarked, “It has been a very interesting mixture of decisions with those who could not agree performing the best in the end.” He further noted, “Creative political strategies to encounter challenges which even real political decision makers struggle with have been taken.” Despite extensive experience with the simulation, Tobias expressed his ongoing admiration for the participants, stating, “The Aalto students managed to surprise me even after 20 sessions with that simulation.”