RIRDC Completed Projects in 1999-2000 & Research in Progress as at June 2000

SUB-PROGRAM 4.3 HUMAN CAPITAL, COMMUNICATIONS
AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS -
RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 1999-2000

To completed projects

Leadership
 

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
DPI-29A	MISSED OPPORTUNITIES – STAGE TWO	MARGARET WINSBURY	02 6272 3984	WOMEN IN RURAL INDUSTRIES SECTION, AFFA

Information and Communications Systems
 

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
BNT-1A	DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE SATELLITE FIRE MONITORING PROGRAM FOR RURAL NORTHERN AUSTRALIA	JEREMY RUSSELL-SMITH	08 8984 4000	BUSHFIRES COUNCIL OF THE NT
RJP-1A	THE AUSTRALIAN FARMER’S GUIDE TO THE INTERNET – SECOND EDITION WEB SITE UPDATES	ROBERT PARKER	0411 812 730
FM-4A	FARM MANAGEMENT 500 GLOBAL – GLOBAL NETWORKS AND ADOPTION OF THE WEB	NEIL CLARK	03 5441 6176	FARM MANAGEMENT 500
UCA-5A	E-COMMERCE IN RURAL AREAS – CASE STUDIES AND WORKSHOP	FRANCO PAPANDREA	02 6210 5083	UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA, COMMUNICATION & MEDIA POLICY INSTITUTE

Extension, Education and Training
 

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
CST-7A	INTERACTIVE INTERNET SUPPORT FOR FARMERS’ SITUATED LEARNING AND PLANNING: FARMSCAPE ONLINE	ZVI HOCHMAN	07 4688 1298	CSIRO TROPICAL AGRICULTURE
GOC-1A	SHORT COURSE FOR FARMERS USING FLEXIBLE DELIVERY METHODS	CHRIS BELL	03 9439 2019	GOSSAMERCOMMUNICATIONS
UM-38A	TOOLS FOR PARTICIPATORY R&D IN DRYLAND CROPPING AREAS	JOHN PETHERAM	03 5321 4101	UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE SCHOOL OF FORESTRY
UNE-73	CONTROL, INNOVATION AND STRATEGY IN FARMING	GEOFF KAINE	02 6773 3728	UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND, SCHOOL OF MARKETING & MANAGEMENT
USO-2A	IDENTIFYING HOW ATTITUDINAL FACTORS IMPACT ON FAMILY FARM BUSINESS PERFORMANCE	EVAN HUNT	02 6360 5518	UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY, ORANGE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

Rural Communities and Social Issues
 

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
ECU-6A	STRATEGIES FOR REVITALISING SMALL INLAND TOWNS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES	ALAN BLACK	08 9400 5844	EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY,. SCHOOL OF SOCIAL & CULTURAL STUDIES
UNE-68A	OLDER FARMERS AND RETIREMENT	ROSLYN FOSKEY	02 6773 2094	UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND, THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
UT-31A	SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION TO RURAL COMMUNITIES – LEADERSHIP ISSUES	SUE KILPATRICK	03 6324 3018	UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA CENTRE FOR RESEARCH & LEARNING IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
WAC-1A	WHAT MOTIVATES RURAL MEN TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH STATUS	SAMAR AOUN	08 9792 2500	WA CENTRE FOR RURAL HEALTH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INC

Policies and Institutions
 

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
DAV-171A	OPTIONS SERIES: PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR INITIATING AND DEVELOPING FARMER/PRODUCER MARKETING GROUPS	GREG CAHILL	03 5430 4444	AGRICULTURE VICTORIA
SYC-5A	FOSTERING CREATIVITY IN RESEARCH	TONY GLEESON	07 3944 2370	SYNAPSE CONSULTING
SYC-8A	OPTIONS SERIES: SOURCES OF FARM HOUSEHOLD INCOME – POLICY IMPLICATIONS	TONY GLEESON	07 3844 2370	SYNAPSE CONSULTING

Farm Health and Safety
 

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
AHU-4A	ESTABLISHING THE MANAGING FARM SFAETY COURSE DELIVERY SYSTEM	LYN FRAGAR	02 6752 8210	AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH & SAFETY, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
GAP-1A	FARM MACHINERY SAFETY REGULATORY REVIEW PROJECT	NEIL GUNNINGHAM	02 6249 3397	GUNNINGHAM & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD
STR-1A	MANAGING FARM SAFETY IN THE SUGAR INDUSTRY FIELD SECTOR	CHRIS ALLEN	0412 203 733	STR APPLICATIONS PTY LTD
US-86A	NATIONAL FARM INJURY DATA COLLECTION – AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH & SAFETY	LYN FRAGAR	02 6752 8210	AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH & SAFETY, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
US-87A	NATIONAL FARM MACHINERY SAFETY PROGRAM – AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH & SAFETY	LYN FRAGAR	02 6752 8210	AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURAL HEALTH & SAFETY, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
UMO-22A	EVALUATION OF FARM INJURY PREVENTION IN VICTORIA 1998-2001	LESLEY DAY	03 9905 1811	MONASH UNIVERSITY, ACCIDENT RESEARCH CENTRE

Leadership
 

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
DOY-1A	RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – ROWENA DOYLE	ROWENA DOYLE	03 5382 2811
GIB-1A	RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – DIANA GIBBS	DIANA GIBBS	02 6942 3898
NEN-1A	RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – MARY NENKE	MARY NENKE	08 9864 6054
PFE-1A	RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – ANNIE PFEFFER	ANNIE PFEFFER	07 4693 8191
SCH-1A	RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – CAROL SCHOFIELD	CAROL SCHOFIELD	08 8558 8215
TAY-1A	RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – ANNE TAYLOR	ANNE TAYLOR	03 6398 6212
WAI-1A	RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD 2000 – SUE WAINWRIGHT	SUE WAINWRIGHT	08 9871 2465

Scholarships
 

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
ANF-1A	NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARSHIP REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT	HARRY PERKINS	03 9281 7424	AUSTRLAIAN NUFFIELD SCHOLARSHIPS ASSOCIATION
ANU-31A	POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP	LOUISE SILVERS	02 6242 1537	PEST ANIMAL CONTROL CRC
ANU-40A	POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP	JENNIFER TICEHURST	02 6246 5961	AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Leadership
 

Project Title:	Missed Opportunities: Stage 2
RIRDC Project No.:	DPI-29A
Organisation:	Women in Rural Industries Section Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry - Australia GPO Box 858 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Phone:	02 6272 3984
Fax	02 6272 3025
email	Ruralwomen@affa.gov.au
Objectives	The objectives of Stage 2 are to increase women’s recognition and input within the rural sector by   § Applying the strategies identified in Stage 1, and other agreed change management strategies, in two case study organisations, in order to identify those strategies most likely to succeed § Utilise the outcomes from the case study activities to develop ‘best practice’ models for increasing women’s input and influence in organisations within the sector.
Background	In 1997 the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia (AFFA) (formerly the Department of Primary Industries and Energy) commissioned a national three stage research project to investigate the role that women play in the agricultural sector. This is a report on Stage 2 of the project. Stage 1 involved extensive consultation with a range of players in the agriculture and resource management sectors. Its outcomes are recorded in the report, Missed Opportunities-Harnessing the Potential of Women in Australian Agriculture. The Report documents the potential contribution women can make to agriculture, both directly and through participation in decision-making. It also identifies barriers to women’s participation in numerous areas such as leadership, decision-making and innovation as well as identifying possible change strategies and best practices for involving women in the agricultural sector.  The Stage 1 report identified three common issues, recurring across different components of the agricultural sector, which need to be addressed by those who are involved within the sector. These issues form the basis for the work undertaken in Stage 2 of the project. The issues are · The culture within the sector, which is seen to be male-oriented and unwelcoming, or even exclusive of women as leaders and managers · The competing demands of work within the sector and family responsibilities, the overwhelming burden of which still fall to women The extent to which women’s self-perception or lack of confidence inhibits their progress to positions as leaders and managers within their sector
Research	In line with the project design and implementation process, the project proceeded in the following manner. 1. AFFA invited a variety of non-Government, non-profit rural organisations to participate as case study organisations in Stage 2 of the Missed Opportunities project. Two suitable applicants were selected, the South Australian and Victorian Farmers Federations. 2. The selected ‘case study’ organisations were consulted in the appointment of change management consultants to work with senior and middle management and boards of management, women staff, women members and members of selected organisations to implement relevant strategies from the "Missed Opportunities" report. 3. The consultants undertook a needs analysis exercise with each case study organisation to determine what issues needed to be addressed, the priority of identified issues, and the exact nature of the change processes to be undertaken.  4. An ‘action research’ process was implemented with the consultants undertaking and/or guiding a major organisational change process within each case study organisation, and monitoring the impacts on women’s involvement/influence throughout the process.
Outcomes	Based on the experience of two case study organisations, several critical factors in successfully applying organisational cultural change management in rural organisations were identified. The following have been identified as having significance in the cultural change process.   § Understanding the Need for Change § Strong Leadership § Change Agents § Involvement of the target group and stakeholders § Evaluation § Reporting of the results § Sharing of results with other organisations
Publications	The Short Report No. 79 Stage 2 – Missed Opportunities, Missed Opportunities – Unlocking the future for women in Australian agriculture

Information and Communications Systems
 

Project Title	Developing a sustainable satellite fire monitoring program for rural northern Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	BNT-1A
Start Date:	15/05/97
Finish Date:	31/12/00
Researcher:	Dr. Jeremy Russell-Smith
Organisation:	Bushfires Council of the NT PO Box 37346 WINNELLIE NT 0821
Phone:	(08) 8984 4000
Fax:	(08) 8947 2263
Objectives	· To develop accurate, reliable systems for the satellite monitoring and mapping of fires across the fire-prone savanna regions of northern Australia, through the critical assessment of errors associated with current WA and NT fire-monitoring programs using NOAA-AVHRR data · To provide north Australian rural communities ready, daily access to remotely sensed fire data.
Current Progress	The project aims to: (1) critically assess the accuracy with which mapping of fires using the NOAA-AVHRR satellite sensor is being undertaken across northern Australia, through a comprehensive ground-based validation program; and (2) examine the best means by which different end-user groups can readily access these mapped data on a daily basis. The project is now in its final year, with all field verification studies having been completed. Over the past couple of years verification studies have been undertaken in the Kimberley region of WA, the Victoria River District (VRD) of the NT, and on Cape York Peninsula, QLD. Independent assessment of mapping of fires in above study areas, undertaken by DOLA (WA) for the period 1997-1999, indicates that mapping achieved overall accuracies of between 70% and 90%. Importantly, these fire-map data are being used increasingly by relevant management agencies, property managers, and researchers, particularly in the Kimberley and throughout the NT. Mapping of fires in QLD is under development through the QLD Dept. of Natural Resources. A full report will be available by the end of the year.


 

Project Title	The Australian Farmer's Guide to the Internet Second Edition - web site updates
RIRDC Project No.:	RJP-1A
Start Date:	10/01/00
Finish Date:	31/12/00
Researcher:	Mr. Robert J Parker
Organisation:	PO Box 1158 FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4960
Phone:	0411 812 730
Fax:	07 3257 4960
Email:	rjparker@bigpond.com
Objectives	· To carry out ongoing maintenance of the web site which accompanies the Australian Farmer's Guide to the Internet (Second Edition), for a period of 12 months, in order to keep it up-to-date and relevant to the agricultural community. · To edit and update existing web sites reviewed in the Farmer's Guide site on a periodic basis to ensure each review accurately reflects the ever-changing content of each site (and to ensure each site is still relevant to the ag sector) · To delete those sites which are no longer of value/relevance to the agricultural extor (eg sites which are no longer updated or have changed their focus) · To search the Internet on an ongoing basis for new online resources which are of relevance to the agricultural sector with a view to reviewing these resources for inclusion in the Farmer's Guide web site  · To develop a site specific search engine to increase accessibility to the already considerable database of information behind the Farmer's Guide web site.
Current Progress	Progress on the RJP-1A project is developing well, with a number of objectives being achieved in the early stages of the project. Numerous pages of the web site have been re-written or edited to better reflect the content of the second edition of Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet. The homepage now refers to the second edition, the order form page takes into account the new pricing and shipping charges for the second edition, and the web sites book contents page accurately reflects the contents of the second edition. Work has been carried out on the Farmers Guide web structure to improve its performance and appearance to the end user. The search engine for the Farmers Guide site has been developed and integrated into the site structure. This new feature allows visitors to quickly and effectively search for resources through the use of keyword searches rather than needing to browse the site to locate content. This added functionality saves both time and money for site visitors. Ongoing research has been carried out on the web to identify prospective new entries for review and inclusion in the Farmers Guide site. To date over 40 new web sites have been evaluated for inclusion, resulting in approximately 10 new entries to the database. Existing entries within the site are being systematically re-evaluated and updated as appropriate. To date, approximately 55 existing entries have been updated since the beginning of the project and about 3 sites have been deleted.


 

Project Title	Farm Management 500 Global – Global networks and adoption of the web
RIRDC Project No.:	FM-4A
Start Date:	01/07/98
Finish Date:	30/11/00
Researcher:	Mr Neil Clark
Organisation:	Farm Management 500
Phone:	03 5441 6176
Fax:	03 5444 4299
Email:	Fm500 @netcon.net.au
Objectives	Create Global networks for FM500 farming families and accelerate the adoption of email/internet services to improve access to quality technical, financial and social information. This will lead to the creation of International Benchmarks for farmers, the adoption of world best practice and expanded travel opportunities for all members of the family.
Current Progress	Training Over 30 FM500 groups have accessed hands on internet training over the last 12 months. An internet/IT conference was held in March with over 100 attendees. The conference brought in practitioners from the internet/e-commerce industry to interact with farmers and discuss the practical implications of e-commerce on farm businesses. The outcome of this conference was a plan to follow up the specifics of e-commerce with on-going FM500 small group meetings. Internet audit An audit of FM500 members’ internet use and skills is underway. With only one third of businesses audited, preliminary results show that 77% are on the internet, 11% intend to get connected in the next 12 months. Twenty two per cent of the businesses use email daily, while 38% use it 2-3 times a week. Only 6% have used the internet to purchase inputs or sell farm produce. Searching the internet efficiently is a urgent training need for 66% of respondents to date. Global networks In response to the difficulty of sustaining group to group communication with overseas farm management groups, the project is currently developing a simple online database. This will be a specific referral service for leading consultants and farming families who wish make contact or study agriculture overseas.

Project Title	E-commerce in rural areas: Case Studies and Workshop
RIRDC Project No.:	UCA-5A
Start Date:	1/11/99
Finish Date:	31/07/00
Researcher:	A/Prof. Franco Papandrea
Organisation:	University of Canberra Communication and Media Policy Institute
Phone:	02 6201 5083
Fax:	02 6201 2630
Email:	franco.papandrea@canberra.edu.au
Objectives	To encourage greater adoption of e-commerce in rural areas by highlighting its benefits through a workshop based on case studies of practical e-commerce applications and preparation of a related report for wider distribution
Current Progress	Extensive searches with major Internet search engines were undertaken to identify potential case studies. The searches, augmented with a review of previous studies and reports on the use of the Internet by rural sector enterprises, led to the identification of over 80 websites associated with rural business activities.  Although unrelated to the primary objective of the research, the sectoral distribution of the identified websites suggests that not all rural activities are equally conducive to the adoption of e-commerce practices. For example, very few websites were related to some major agricultural commodities suggesting that market structures are likely to have an influence on that adoption of e-commerce practices. Some 30 websites were selected for more detailed analysis resulting in almost 20 case studies of enterprises, large and small, that were gaining benefits such as increased sales and lower costs from e-commerce activities. Several of the case studies, illustrating a range of e-commerce activities including developments such as electronic markets and electronic supply chain management systems for agricultural commodities, were selected for presentation at a workshop to be held on 23 June 2000. About fifty people attended the workshop.

Extension, Education and Training
 

Project Title	Interactive internet support for farmers’ situated learning and planning: FARMSCAPE Online
RIRDC Project No.:	CST-7A
Start Date:	1/11/99
Finish Date:	31/10/02
Researcher:	Dr. Zvi Hochman
Organisation:	CSIRO Tropical Agriculture 203 Tor Street TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350
Phone:	07 4688 1298
Fax:	07 4688 1193
Email:	zvi.hochman@tag.csiro.au
Objectives	§ Conduct programs of internet-based interactions between farmers and professionals to develop (1) a practical and commercially feasible methodology for facilitating learning programs for farmers within their own farming situations and (2) an interactive online method for consultants to provide farmers with customised soil monitoring and simulation support for timely planning and decision making. § Develop online multimedia resources to aid farmers’ learning about key soil processes and agronomic practices that provides insights for better crop and soil management. § Actively demonstrate this approach to other researchers and interested persons through an interested observer program.
Current Progress	We supported a group of participating farmers in a program of soil and crop monitoring that spanned two seasons. The data gathered was then used in online discussion sessions as input for simulation-aided discussions. Three online ‘workshops’ held at Phil Egan’s property at Moonie were supported by APSRU researchers in Toowoomba. Farmers and researchers using an Action Research approach designed these workshops. Topics discussed in these workshops included: description of soils and the implication for potential crop yields; benchmarking actual crop yields and protein content against potential as calculated by simulation using APSIM; evaluation of tactical options for the upcoming season; and comparative evaluation in $/ha/yr of alternative crop rotations. Evaluation of online workshops and their impact is integral to the project. Preliminary results suggest that it is possible to establish a degree of credibility in APSIM outputs among farmer participants via internet based discussion sessions. The project is also having a significant impact on farming practice. One case study revealed that a farmer achieved a yield increase for his 1999 winter wheat crop of 50% and a protein increase of 2%. This farmer directly attributes this to participation in the online discussion sessions.


 

Project Title	Short course for farmers using flexible delivery methods
RIRDC Project No.:	GOC-1A
Start Date:	12 August 1999
Finish Date:	15 February 2001
Researcher:	Dr. Chris Bell
Organisation:	Gossamer Communications
Phone:	(03) 9439 2019
Fax:	(03) 9471 0224
Email:	c.bell@latrobe.edu.au
Objectives	· To test the possibility of offering short courses on subjects appropriate to farmers in such a way that they do not have to spend more than a short period away from their farms, and · To decide whether such courses are acceptable to them in their efforts to improve their knowledge, know-how and farming skills
Current Progress	A short course on the technology used in precision farming has been developed, based on the Internet as primary delivery medium. Work is progressing on appropriate methods of testing comprehension and providing feedback to the user. This will include a questionnaire to be completed by the farmer at the conclusion of the course. The course covers the basis of GPS (the Global Positioning System), the methods of positioning and yield monitoring, and the analysis of spatially referenced yield data to extract useful agronomic information. The aim of the course is to give enough information to the farmer so that he or she can decide whether it is appropriate for them to invest in the technology, to use a contractor or consultant who has the technology, or to wait for further developments. The course has been installed on a web site provided by La Trobe University and evaluated by final year students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences studying advances in cropping technology, and revised based on their comments. It is expected that it will be advertised to farmers in the next few weeks, and that the first farmers will be using it shortly afterwards.

Project Title	Tools for participatory R&D in dryland cropping areas
RIRDC Project No.:	UM-38A
Start Date:	1/07/98
Finish Date:	30/06/00
Researcher:	Dr. John Petheram
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne School of Forestry Creswick Campus CRESWICK VIC 3363
Phone:	(03) 5321 4101
Fax:	(03) 53214194
Email:	j.petheram@landfood.unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	· The main outcome delivered will be a manual of (tested) tools for gaining participation of farmers and other stakeholders in rural R&D - including a worldwide review of literature on participation and participatory tools. The manual will provide a brief introduction to relevant theory of social intervention and will be accompanied by an instructional video to assist field workers to understand the operation of certain tools that require visual explanation. · The aim is to provide an easily accessible "toolkit" for extension agents and other rural facilitators - that will improve their ability to achieve high levels of participation by stakeholders, and hence result in more effective R&D programs through higher level of ownership and commitment to R&D acitivities by farmers in dryland areas. The emphasis will be on tools for cropping systems but as sheep are a subsystem of most crop farms in Australia.
Current Progress	A series of mail and phone contacts, followed by visits across Australia, resulted in commitments from around 50 R&D professionals to contribute tools. Participatory approaches to R&D have progressed rapidly since inception of this project – towards a deeper understanding of participation, and a much greater emphasis on "process" than on tools or activities. Valuable comment has been proffered by extension agents working intensively in this mode. In general, the concept of the Manual of Tools has been greeted with enthusiasm, even by those concerned about the danger of prescribed tools being "misused". Some have suggested that the Manual become a Web-site on Participatory Tools, that could be updated and improved.  One third of tools offered have been delivered, together with vast amounts of supporting material. There has been discussion with RIRDC and type-setters on how best to make the manual easily readable and useful. The challenge in the remaining few months is:  (1) to consummate delivery of tools currently in gestation in various institutions and minds (2) to arrange tools in a manner and context that will emphasise the importance of process over the tools themselves (3) to edit and typeset the publication in an attractive and user-friendly RIRDC publication.

Project Title	Control, Innovation and Strategy in farming
RIRDC Project No.:	UNE-73A
Start Date:	24/01/00
Finish Date:	31/12/00
Researcher:	Mr Geoff Kaine
Organisation:	University of New England School of Marketing and Management ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone:	(02) 6773 3728
Fax:	(02) 6773 3914
Email:	gkainejo@metz.une.edu.au
Objectives	1. Classify farmers into strategic types based their perceptions of control over farm production and business performance.  2. Classify farmers into types based on measures of internal and external locus of control (a personality predisposition). 3. Determine if differences in perceptions of control over farm production and business performance are linked to differences in locus of control (internal or external) and self-efficacy. 4. Determine if farmer's locus of control and their perceptions of control over farm production and performance are related to measures of farm business performance. 5. Determine if differences in farmers' perceptions of control over farm production and business performance and their locus of control are linked to their propensity to adopt innovations and their participation in extension activities.
Current Progress	Work commenced on this project in January 2000. Progress to date has proceeding satisfactorily and close to schedule. A review of the key relevant literature has been conducted and a trial survey instrument has been prepared. The survey is intended to collect information in four key areas. These are farmers' locus of control as a personality trait, farmers' perceptions of control over farm production and business performance, measures of farm performance and participation in extension activities. The scales measuring locus of control and perceptions of control over farm production and performance are adapted from studies reported in the literature.  The survey instrument will be tested and piloted with farmers over the next two months. The survey will be posted to primary producers in New South Wales and Victoria in July.

Project Title	Identifying how attitudinal factors impact on family farm business performance
RIRDC Project No.:	USO-2A
Start Date:	1/09/99
Finish Date:	30/11/01
Researcher:	A/Professor Evan Hunt
Organisation:	University of Sydney Orange Agricultural College PO Box 883 ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone:	(02) 6360 5518
Fax:	(02) 6360 5590
Email:	Ehunt@oac.usyd.edu.au
Objectives	The research will examine whether the attitudinal characteristics of management have an influence on a farming family's capability to manage and implement change to achieve high levels of business performance. The project will identify how these characteristics are acquired, and establish how the training and learning methodologies used in current farmer training programs might be improved to become more economically effective.
Current Progress	The project has had a delayed start due to zero response to Nationwide advertising on two occasions for a Masters postgraduate research scholar to participate in design, data collection and analysis. By networking a suitable person with a background of twelve years rural counselling experience has now been interviewed and offered the position to commence in May 2000. The late appointment will require re-arrangement of some milestones but the experience brought to the project should improve the outcomes.

Rural Communities and Social Issues
 

Project Title	Strategies for revitalising small inland towns and rural communities
RIRDC Project No.:	ECU-6A
Start Date:	1/10/99
Finish Date:	30/11/00
Researcher:	Prof. Alan Black
Organisation:	Edith Cowan University School of Social and Cultural Studies JOONDALUP WA 6027
Phone:	(08) 9400 5844
Fax:	(08) 9400 5866
Email:	a.black@cowan.edu.au
Objectives	The overall objective is that of Sub-Program 4.3, namely ‘to enhance human capital and facilitate innovation in rural industries and communities.’ The more specific objectives are: 1. To identify twelve small inland towns or rural communities that have, in recent years, experienced some form of economic and social revitalisation. 2. To identify innovations, strategies and initiatives that are associated with this revitalisation, and to analyse any salient or recurring features. 3. To review technical assistance programs, especially community opportunity/future planning workshops, designed to stimulate revitalisation initiatives. 4. From the preceding analyses, to identify strategies for revitalisation that can potentially be applied in other inland towns and rural communities. 5. To develop a user-friendly resource kit on strategies for revitalising small towns and rural communities. 6. To publicise and promote the use of the resource kit in such towns and communities
Current Progress	The following twelve Australian communities have been chosen for intensive case study: Benalla (Vic), Boonah (Qld), Burra (SA), Coolah and Mendooran (NSW), Coorow (WA), Deloraine (Tas), Donald (Vic), Harrow (Vic), Hyden (WA), Kulin (WA), Mitchell (Qld) and Tumby Bay (SA). At the time of writing this report, data gathering had been completed in six of these communities, using the following methodologies – · review of relevant existing documentation and statistics · interviews with relevant community members and local organisations · interviews with commentators and organisations outside community who have knowledge and an understanding of the community's history, dynamics and experiences in revitalisation activities · community focus group meetings. It is anticipated that data gathering in the other six communities will be completed by August 2000.

Project Title	Older farmers and Retirement
RIRDC Project No.:	UNE-68A
Start Date:	15/06/99
Finish Date:	30/06/02
Researcher:	Ms. Roslyn Foskey
Organisation:	University of New England The Rural Development Centre ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone:	02 6773 2094
Fax:	02 6773 3245
Email:	rfoskey@metz.une.edu.au
Objectives	· Review of Australian and international literature on retirement in general, farmers and retirement and farm succession. · A study in two selected regions (North Western and the North Coast of NSW) to provide a greater understanding of how Australian farmers define and experience retirement and ageing. · Comparison of the retirement experience of farmers and other groups in the Australian community. · Review of factors likely to influence farmers' retirement planning education program for farmers in the two selected regions. This will be developed in consultation with appropriate Government and community sector services.
Current Progress	No Research-in-Progress report was provided by the researcher.


 

Project Title	School contribution to rural communities: Leadership issues
RIRDC Project No.:	UT-31A
Start Date:	1/10/99
Finish Date:	30/09/01
Researcher:	Dr. Sue Kilpatrick
Organisation:	University of Tasmania Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia PO Box 1214 LAUNCESTON TAS 7250
Phone:	03 6324 3018
Fax:	03 6324 3040
Email:	Sue.Kilpatrick@utas.edu.au
Objectives	· To examine the extent and nature of the contribution of rural schools in their communities' development beyond traditional forms of education of young people include: the use of the skills and knowledge of the school staff in initiating, organising and/or running wider community acitivities and projects; the opportunities provided for adults in the community for personal development and skill acquisition through involvement in school activities and school bodies such as school councils; and the importance of the physical school resources to small communities · To investigate the ways in which the modes of leadership of the school and community leaders influence the extent and nature of the school's contribution to the community · To consider the constraints to schools being put to other uses (eg issue of insurance cover)
Current Progress	This study uses a case study methodology to investigate the contribution of local schools to their communities’ development, and the associated leadership issues, in five different rural sites: Walla Walla (NSW); Cooktown (Qld); Cowell (SA); Meander (Tas), and Margaret River (WA). These communities were selected from over 100 invited nominations from stakeholders in rural education around Australia, and represent diversity in respect of population size and background, school configuration, type of rural and other industry, degree of isolation, and nature and stage of the school-community partnership. Data are being collected from three sources: semi-structured interviews with school and community members, written documentation from school and community sources, and observation. Data collection is due to finish in August 2000. The study is being informed by a reference group of Australian and overseas stakeholders in rural education and community development. Information about the project and its preliminary findings is being disseminated on a regular basis through the professional networks of the reference group and project team members; through the web page of the Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia at http://www.crlra.utas.edu.au, and through the planned presentation of papers and workshops at appropriate educational leadership and community development conferences.

Project Title	What motivates rural men to improve their health status?
RIRDC Project No.:	WAC-1A
Start Date:	25/06/99
Finish Date:	25/06/00
Researcher:	Dr. Samar Aoun
Organisation:	WA Centre for Rural Health and Community Development Inc. South West Population Health Unit Bunbury Tower  8th Floor, 61 Victoria Street BUNBURY WA 6230
Phone:	(08) 9792 2500
Fax:	(08) 9792 2503
Email:	samar.aoun@health.wa.gov.au
Objectives	· Undertaking a creative health initiative to cater for the special needs of rural men and using diabetes screening as a mechanism for health promotion · Increasing the understanding of what motivates at-risk but symptomatic men to seek care from general practitioners · Identifying the actual percentage of the study sample who are diagnosed with Type 2 or IGT after screening undiagnosed men · Adding to the body of research on the effectiveness of risk factor and symptom assessment as brief health intervention · Suggesting education and support strategies for those identified in the sample as being at-risk, involving workplaces and medical services.
Current Progress	The response to the project has been positive considering that this health promotion program was an innovation that needed time and skill to be diffused at several layers of decision making. Twenty five industries/organisations or combined groups of smaller organisations participated, requiring 29 educational/screening sessions mainly on site. Fourteen industries/organisations declined to participate. Most of the participating employers have been accommodating in allowing their employees an hour of education and screening. The best collaboration has been with industries staffed with a health nurse or an occupational health and safety officer.  525 men participated in the education/screening session with 446 in the target group of 40-65 years (some were younger or older but they were interested to participate). These men were very appreciative of the education provided to them: 94-100% found the education session interesting, useful and easy to follow; 64-74% reported that the session had greatly increased their awareness of the consequences of diabetes, of whether they are at risk of developing diabetes and what they can do to reduce their risk of getting diabetes; 32% and 62% were greatly or partly motivated to make some changes to their lifestyles as a result of the project. Findings of the screening session show that 64% of men, who volunteered to be screened, are at high risk (47% in the younger age group 40-49 and 85% in the older age group 50-65). In terms of risk factors, 31% of men had high blood pressure and 62% were overweight which is consistent with the literature; 26% had a family history of diabetes and 8% had a predisposing ethnic background. 261 at-risk men were referred to their GP to have a blood test done and to discuss diet and exercise changes with their doctor to reduce their chance of getting type 2 diabetes. All GPs have been informed of this program. It is encouraging that, in the follow-up surveys so far, 71% of men who were referred, have acted upon our advice and have consulted with their GP regarding the factors that put them at high risk. As a result, 4% had discovered they had diabetes and 5% needed more investigations. Of those who had other tests done in addition to blood glucose tests, 45% needed medication for their high blood pressure, or had high cholesterol levels or enlarged prostate. More follow-ups are still due within the next month. The last phase of the project consisted of a workshop between selected industry representatives, GPs and other health professionals to discuss education and support strategies for those identified at risk. Feedback is being currently analysed.

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Last updated: 8 Sseptember  2000
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