[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Too Much Bureaucracy, Too Little Time

## Details

**Authors** Karnuta K

**Year** 2022

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 2(1):1-21

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Environment & Sustainability

**Secondary disciplines** Agriculture & Food

**Reading level** intermediate

**Kind of engagement** scholarly

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.2025-0068KK) 
10.54120/jost.2025-0068KK

## In authors' words

### Abstract

The climate crisis is worsening, and agricultural extraction is exacerbating the effects of these changes. The U.S. Congress has authorized conservation-minded programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to mitigate the impacts that agriculture has on the environment, yet the climate and land-health crises persist. A Systems Thinking-focused Agent Based Approach (ABA) reveals the system of EQIP perpetuates a culture of competition and conflict that stifles innovation. Remedying the wicked problems that persist in the EQIP system may be critical to creating a culture of sustainable-minded agriculture that this country needs to fight the larger battle against climate change.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A paper applying a systems-thinking Agent-Based Approach to the USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

### What they found (results)

The EQIP system perpetuates a culture of competition and conflict that stifles innovation; remedying it may be critical to the sustainable-minded agriculture the climate fight needs.

## Commentary

### In short

Uses the Agent Based Approach to show how the USDA's EQIP conservation program breeds competition and conflict that hold back sustainable farming.

### Response

Applies Cabrera's Agent-Based Approach to the USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program and argues that its structure sets applicants in competition in ways that suppress conservation innovation.

**Patterns it shows** R

**How to cite this** Karnuta K (2022). Too Much Bureaucracy, Too Little Time. Journal of Systems Thinking 2(1):1-21.