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One extension approach does not fit all: but how do you know what to use? Helen Murdoch1, Allison Long 2, Chris Linehan1 and Lucy Finger1
Preferred presentation format: Refereed Paper
Affiliation(s): 1 Department of Primary Industries, Tatura, Victoria
2 Student, University of Melbourne
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Title: Mrs Helen Murdoch
Position: Social Researcher
Organisation: Department of Primary Industries
Contact email: helen.murdoch@dpi.vic.gov.au
Contact phone: 03 5833 5242
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Keywords: Traditional extension, social research, semi-structured interviews
The environment is increasingly recognised as a valid water user throughout irrigated regions of Australia. In Victorian unregulated catchments, environmental flows are provided through Streamflow Management Plans (SFMPs), which can restrict irrigation and other water use, particularly during low flow periods. The introduction of these plans may have significant adverse effects on irrigators. The DPI Targeted Water project is developing tools to help irrigators maintain production whilst meeting SFMP requirements.
To help design a targeted extension program, the project employed social research methods in three SFMP catchments to determine current irrigation practices, attitudes towards SFMPs, and possible solutions that may be acceptable to irrigators. It was perceived that extension efforts based on irrigation best management practices would lead to SFMP compliance and increased environmental flows.
The study was conducted in the King Parrot Creek, Yea River and Hoddles Creek SFMP catchments between January and June 2003. Qualitative data was collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with a representative sample of irrigators. The sample covered a broad range of agricultural enterprises, and a mixture of active and sleeper diversion licence holders.
The results from this research contradict the initial perceptions of the Targeted Water project and other agency staff. A consistent finding was that traditional extension approaches based on best management practices are unlikely to result in increased stream flows in the three catchments. This paper describes the methods used to obtain the information and how the findings will be used by the Targeted Water project to deliver a relevant extension program.
Key learning points:
- One extension program will not necessarily fit all situations
- Need to do preliminary investigations before designing extension programs
- Traditional extension methods may not deliver what you want
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