Systems-Thinking for Permaculture Design: The Basics

Permaculture is a design system that is based on the principles of systems thinking. Systems thinking is a way of understanding complex systems, such as ecosystems or social systems, as interconnected and interdependent parts. By understanding these systems and their relationships, it is possible to create designs that are sustainable and resilient. Beginner permaculturalists should have an understanding of systems thinking to effectively apply permaculture principles to their designs, as this will help to learn how to identify and analyse patterns and relationships in natural and human-made systems, and how to design systems that work with nature and promote ecological health. By developing a systems thinking approach, beginner permaculturalists can create sustainable designs that promote long-term resilience and productivity.

To ensure that you have a solid understanding of systems-thinking, whether its for your own permaculture project or you changemaking toolkit, here’s a copy of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network’s handbook, Opening the Black Box: Thinking about, understanding, and intervening to change complex systems.

As you begin to add systems-thinking to your changemaking toolkit, permaculture is a great way for to apply it to a real-world situation. As a design system based on ecological principles, permaculture provides a framework for understanding complex systems and designing regenerative and sustainable solutions. Changemakers can apply permaculture principles to a wide range of real-world situations, from designing sustainable food systems to creating resilient communities. Permaculture emphasises the importance of observing and understanding natural patterns and relationships, which is a critical component of systems thinking. So, take the first step, observe your surroundings, and start implementing permaculture principles wherever you are with what you already have. Your journey may lead to unexpected discoveries and rewards that will benefit you and future generations to come!