Malcolm Martin, Ross Warren, Greg Stanley

Preferred presentation format: Refereed Paper

Affiliation(s): Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Agency for Food and Fibre

Title: Mr Malcolm Martin Position: Senior Extension Officer, Dairy & Irrigation Organisation: Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences Queensland DPI. Contact email: malcolm.martin@dpi.qld.gov.au Contact phone: 07 46881288

Keywords: Participatory, Systems, Action Research, Perceptions, Community.

The “Dairy Irrigation Adoption Program”, ‘Irrigation for Profit’ of the Queensland Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative (RWUEI) targeted all five major dairy areas. The objective: to develop better irrigation water use efficiency (WUE) through the adoption of best management practices in irrigation.

To achieve a WUE target of 11% (achieved 14%) and best management practice (BMP) target of 40% (achieved 49%) it was realised that the primary methods traditionally used in R, D&E are somewhat limiting (eg. Technology Transfer ‘ToT’). Additional approaches are needed for establishing, self-awareness, self-reliance and community motivation, as well as deal with particular industry and community issues related to dairy farming.

WUE officers established ‘Participatory Action Research’ (PAR) grower groups to assist in providing local input into the specific objectives of extension activities. The groups also assist in developing grower’s perceptions of ownership of the work. Extension activities are based around on-farm demonstration sites in each region where irrigation management techniques are showcased.

The systems context is presented and developed from the Queensland dairy industry is presented. This is then followed by an overview of Action Research and its applicability to the problem situation and context. A model is presented that has been developed by merging the first two parts (i.e. the context and the methodology). Conclusions are then drawn about the benefits of such a model to industry and rural community. The participatory approach utilises farmer’s knowledge and skills and assists them to gain greater self-reliance, sustainability and a stronger economic path.

Key learning points:

• Frequent reviewing and reflection aids progress
• Evaluate your progress constantly
• Perceptions need to be re-evaluated