Evaluating credibility, legitimacy, and salience in a participatory modeling project in the food, energy, water nexus

Credibility, legitimacy, and salience (CLS) in co-producing knowledge are considered critical properties of successful participatory modeling (PM) projects. We use a large PM project focused on projecting alternative futures in the FEW nexus of the US Midwest to assess whether the scenarios, models, and projections had high perceived CLS. Assessments of CLS in PM projects in the context of FEW nexuses are relatively uncommon. Specifically, we explore two key questions: (1) Were the PM project outputs perceived as credible, legitimate, and salient? and (2) To what extent do perceptions of CLS between researchers and participant stakeholders align? Findings suggest that our PM process had positive impacts on the CLS of these outputs from the perspective of both groups of participants. However, achieving internal CLS was a necessary but not sufficient condition to ensure the CLS of these boundary objects from the point of view of societal actors external to the project. Without accessible and useful translation of results for external audience, the project outputs may be perceived as low on salience. We also found that participant stakeholders rated CLS higher than researchers. Researchers were more self-critical of model limitations, while participant stakeholders focused on the quality of interactions and responsiveness to suggestions. Future assessments of CLS in PM projects should use measures to capture both internal PM processes, internal perceptions of project outputs, and assessment of project outputs from the perspective of external societal stakeholders and decision-makers. • Assessed Credibility, Legitimacy, and Salience (CLS) of Participatory Modeling (PM). • Researchers and participant stakeholders viewed PM process positively for CLS. • Internal CLS was necessary but not sufficient for perceived CLS of boundary objects. • PM outputs may have low salience without usable translation for external audiences. • Assessing CLS should capture PM processes and internal and external perceptions.