RIRDC Completed Projects in 2002-2003 & Research in Progress as at June 2003

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To Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems  Research in Progress
 

Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems COMPLETED PROJECTS

Information and Communications Systems:

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
CST-7A	Interactive internet support for farmers' situated learning and planning: FARMSCAPE Online	Dr. Zvi Hochman	(07) 4688 1298	CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
ECU-13A	Supporting rural SMEs in selection of E-marketplaces	Prof. Craig Standing	(08) 9400 5545	Edith Cowan University
RJP-3A	The Australian Farmers Guide to Electronic Commerce	Mr. Robert J Parker	0407 021 336	Robert J. Parker
UQ-105A	Online group processes to facilitate rural internet research and development	Ms. Marie Jasinski	(08) 8278 2973	The University of Queensland

Extension, Education and Training:

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
AIA-10A	National workshop developing competencies for agricultural and natural resource management (NRM) practitioners	Mr. Dennis Toohey	(02) 6041 4955	Australian Institute of Agricultural Science
ANU-43	Government responses to farm poverty 1989-1998 The policy development process	Dr. Linda Botterill	(02) 6125 5534	Australian National University
GOC-1A	Short course for farmers using flexible delivery methods	Dr. Christopher Bell	(03) 9439 2019	Gossamer Communications
UNE-68A	Older farmers and retirement	Ms. Roslyn Foskey	(02) 6773 2094	University of New England
USO-2A	Identifying how attitudinal factors impact on family farm business performance	A/Prof. Evan Hunt	(02) 6360 5518	The University of Sydney

Rural Communities and Social Issues:

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
ECU-12A	The impacts of changing farm business structures on rural communities II	Prof. Alan Black	(08) 9400 5844	Edith Cowan University
SYC-8A	OPTIONS SERIES: Sources of farm household income - policy implications	Mr. Tony Gleeson	(07) 3844 2370	Synapse Agricultural and Resource Consulting
UNE-84A	Attitudes to recreational use of rural properties	Ms. Elaine Barclay	(02) 6773 5141	University of New England
UT-31A	More than an Education: Leadership for rural school- community partnerships	Dr. Sue Kilpatrick	03 6324 3018	University of Tasmania

Policies and Institutions:

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
BRR-8A	Literature review: risk and risk perception	Dr. Linda Botterill	(02) 6125 5534	Bureau of Rural Sciences

Farm Health and Safety:

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
FAI-1A	4th National Farm Injury Prevention Conference	Mr. Richard Franklin	(02) 6752 8215	The University of Sydney
GAP-1A	Farm machinery safety regulatory review project	Prof. Neil Gunningham	(02) 6249 3397	Gunningham & Associates Pty Ltd
UMO-22A	Evaluation of farm injury prevention in Victoria 1998-2001	Dr. Lesley Day	(03) 9905 1811	Monash University
UMO-29A	Preliminary safety tractor access platform evaluation	Dr. Lesley Day	(03) 9905 1811	Monash University
US-111A	Preliminary stage of noise injury prevention in the farming community	Mr. Richard Franklin	(02) 6752 8215	The University of Sydney
US-86A	National farm injury data collection - Australian centre for agricultural health & safety	A/Prof. Lyn Fragar	(02) 6752 8210	The University of Sydney
US-87A	National farm machinery safety program - Australian Centre for Agricultural Health & Safety	A/Prof. Lyn Fragar	(02) 6752 8210	The University of Sydney
WAC-2A	Rural health and safety intervention for the Agricultural sector in the South West of WA	Dr. Samar Aoun	(08) 9791 9488	WA Centre for Rural Health & Community Development Inc.

Leadership

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
ABB-4A	Heywire IV - The ABC gives regional youth a voice	Ms. Justine McSweeney	(03) 9626 1861	ABC Radio
ANF-1A	Nuffield Farming Scholarship Review Implementation Project	Mr. Bryan Clark	(02) 6964 5232	Australian Nuffield Farming Scholars Association

Information and Communication Systems


Project Title:	FARMSCAPE Online: Internet based support for farmers’ situated learning and planning
RIRDC Project N.:	CST-7A
Researcher:	Dean Hargreaves and Zvi Hochman
Organisation:	CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems  PO Box 102 TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350.
Phone:	07 4688 1298
Fax:	07 4688 1193
Email:	Zvi.Hochman@csiro.au
Objectives	· To conduct programs of Internet-based interactions between farmers and professionals to develop a practical and commercially-feasible methodology for researchers and consultants to facilitate learning programs for farmers within their own farming situations.
Background	FARMSCAPE researchers demonstrated the effectiveness and value of face-to-face simulation aided discussion sessions. Farmers often attributed significant management gains to their involvement in these sessions.  In an earlier RIRDC project CST-1A (Piloting Internet Delivery of APSIM Support to Farmers, Advisers and Researchers) we successfully piloted synchronous Internet-based meetings between farmers, their advisers and researchers.
Research	Replacing face to face FARMSCAPE workshops with Internet enabled Online FARMSCAPE workshops proved to be cost effective and time efficient while delivering the same measurable impact on farmers’ management practice. Online interactions were successful when certain conditions were met. There must be sufficient mutual understanding between farmers, advisers and researchers (including mutual respect for each others expertise, and appreciation by researchers for farmers felt problems). There must also be effective interaction between participants. This is conditional on: good local and remote facilitation; common understandings about interpretation and meaning of representations and reliable technical function.
Outcomes	More than 15 online workshops and 20 other interactions were conducted with eight farmer groups, directly involving 160 farmers from four states. Some 500 farmers directly received information derived from online workshops via the regular ‘Yield Prophet’ fax developed jointly with the Birchip Cropping Group. A further 6000 stakeholders received printed information derived from activities within these workshops.
Implications	This project has shown that a commercially feasible methodology exists for supporting researchers and consultants in using the FARMSCAPE approach to facilitate learning programs for farmers within their own farming situations. An individually tailored monthly ‘Yield Prophet’ is delivered this year to more than 30 farmers on a fee for service basis.
Publications	Hochman, Z., van Rees, H., Jackman, A., and Dalgliesh, N.P. Using the cropping system simulator APSIM to investigate the impacts of subsoil constraints on wheat production. In Proceedings VII European Society for Agronomy Congress, 15-18 July 2002, Cordoba, Spain. pp295-296.

Project Title:	Supporting Rural SMEs in the Selection of E-Marketplaces
RIRDC Project No:	ECU-13A
Researcher:	Craig Standing and Rosemary Stockdale
Organisation:	Edith Cowan University 100 Joondalup Drive Joondalup Western Australia 6027
Phone:	(08) 6304 5545
Fax:	(08) 6304 5988
Email:	C.Standing@ecu.edu.au R.Stockdale@ecu.edu.au
Objectives	· The overall objective of this study is to facilitate the move to trading via e-marketplaces by rural industries, to enable them to gain the benefits of access to international markets and lower costs. This will be done through a report that includes a decision framework, seminars for rural SMEs and a website.
Background	Electronic marketplaces are increasingly becoming part of the business landscape, especially for larger organizations. However, there is little information on the use and potential of electronic marketplaces for regional/rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This report aims to address this gap by explaining how SMEs can effectively participate in electronic marketplace trading.
Research	The literature on the importance and characteristics of rural SMEs is summarised. The problems of SME participation in e-marketplaces are related to the issues of SME participation in e-commerce. Hence, the issues surrounding SMEs and e-commerce adoption are explained. The various types of e-marketplaces are explained. Then the issues related rural SMEs and e-marketplace participation are examined. This involves discussing the advantages of participation for SMEs and the barriers to participation. The issues are brought together and presented in the form of a decision framework that can guide SMEs through the e-marketplace decision making process.
Outcomes	For rural SMEs to effectively decide upon e-marketplace participation they need to: · Have a clear strategic rationale for participation · Make resources available to support the process · Identify products and services to be bought and sold · Decide upon the level of external support required · Identify the level of support required from the e-marketplace · Identify the role and importance of relationships with other businesses The selection of an e-marketplace should involve: · Identifying a match between the company requirements and the e-marketplace characteristics · Assessing desirable features of e-marketplaces including critical mass, revenue models, security features, technology requirements and trust and privacy issues.
Implications	This project has shown there is great potential in e-marketplaces for rural SMEs. However, the decision making process is complex and requires considerable thought and planning if rural SMEs are to be effectively participate. This involves developing a clear rationale for participation and effective selection of appropriate e-marketplaces.
Publications	Stockdale, R. & Standing, C. (2003). A E-Marketplace Decision Support Framework for Rural SMEs. In Progress (To be submitted to the Australasian Conference on Information Systems).

Project Title:	The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce
RIRDC Project No:	RJP-3A
Researcher:	Robert Parker
Organisation:	Consultant
Phone:	0407 021 336
Fax:	N/A
Email:	rjparker@bigpond.com
Objectives	The objectives of this project were to: · create an easy to read, user-friendly guide to electronic commerce for rural and regional Australians, and  · demystify the e-commerce environment for consumers and small to medium enterprises, providing information which can make online shopping and sales experiences safer, and introduce them to the diverse range of e-commerce goods and services available online.
Background	"Electronic commerce" is increasingly seen as being synonymous with the "new economy", such is the recognition of the impact it is having on the global economy. Significantly, this new economy has no boundaries in time or space, and has the potential to substantially reduce the disparity in the availability of goods, services and consumer choice, which has for so long existed between rural Australians and those living in major metropolitan centres. The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce aims to assist and encourage the rural and regional community to embrace e-commerce practices by providing information on: · accessing a greater range of goods and services through a global marketplace; · the convenience of choosing when, where and how to shop, bank and trade; · access to lower/more competitive pricing; · the ability to research and compare product prices and specifications prior to purchase; · flexibility in personalising or customising products before delivery; · gaining quicker access to more accurate information; · tapping into new online marketing channels; · realizing more efficient operation within markets; and, · the opportunities to market and sell products and/or services to the global marketplace.
Research	The research for The Australian Farmers Guide to E-commerce identified and analysed relevant sources of information from published sources (e.g. magazines, newspaper articles, journals, books, web sites etc) to glean information which was of particular relevance to the contents of The Guide. As a sponsor of The Guide, Telstra Country Wide also offered a great deal of assistance by providing information which assists the rural and regional community in optimising their use of the telecommunications network and data/e-commerce services. Among other things, Telstra Country Wide assisted in providing access to information: · from individuals with expertise in network access issues; · from individuals with expertise in e-commerce; · for optimising network performance on: · radio systems (DRCS); · pair gain systems (copper wire); · broadband satellite services; · about minimising electric fence interference; · for achieving streamlined access to data services in rural and regional areas; · to assist in troubleshooting common access issues and problems; · on who to contact for help and support; and · security issues for e-commerce customers/merchants; The Guide also built on the research undertaken for the successful RIRDC workshop on e-commerce held in June 2000. The case-study information collected for the workshop and subsequent report provides a rich source of material illustrating successful implementation of e-commerce practices. Case study material was also made available by the National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE).
Outcomes	The outcomes of this project are that rural and regional Australians: · have a more well rounded understanding of what e-commerce is and the range of services it offers; · can appreciate how e-commerce can be used to their advantage as a consumer or business provider; · feel confident enough in their understanding of e-commerce and the issues associated with it, that they are prepared to use e-commerce services to fulfil business or personal needs.
Implications	The implications of this project are that it has helped to: · facilitate and promote the adoption of e-commerce by providing a comprehensive, easy to read guide to electronic commerce for Australia’s rural community; · illustrate the benefits and pitfalls of e-commerce, by presenting practical advice and information in layman’s terms, thereby encouraging readers to adopt sound e-commerce practices; · illustrate through real world examples how e-commerce has been successfully adopted to establish online enterprises or to support existing real world businesses; · illustrate how e-commerce can be used by everyday consumers to improve business efficiency and/or offer greater lifestyle benefits; and, · provide a range of information about the types of e-commerce services available to give new e-commerce users some initial reference points to conducting commerce online.
Publications	The result of this project is the publication of a 293 page guide to electronic commerce entitled The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce. The Guide contains 8 chapters and 3 appendices: Part I – Introducing e-commerce Chapter 1 – The story so far Part II – Where e-commerce is today Chapter 2 – Gearing up for e-commerce Chapter 3 – Play it smart, play it safe Chapter 4 - How can I participate in e-commerce? Part III – Establishing an e-business Chapter 5 – Look before you leap Chapter 6 – Taking on e-commerce Chapter 7 – Marketing Chapter 8 – Customer service and support Appendix A NOIE E-Commerce Ready Reckoner Appendix B - Internet connection troubleshooting guide Appendix C - Some useful Internet resources Inside back cover - Telstra Big Pond Internet starter kit


 
 
 

Project Title:	Online group processes to facilitate rural internet research and development
RIRDC Project No:	UQ-105A
Researcher:	Warwick Easdown, Marie Jasinski and Ross Colliver
Organisation:	Design Planet Pty. Ltd PO Box 1183  Blackwood, SA, 5051
Phone:	(08) 8278 2973
Fax:	(08) 8278 6025
Email:	w.easdown@cgiar.org; design.planet@bigpond.com; colliver@mpx.com.au
Objectives	· To prototype email based group process for identifying and refining research and development projects in use of the Internet in rural industries and communities.
Background	There is a modest amount of Australian research and innovation work being done in the use of the Internet in rural and regional Australia, but communication between those engaged in the work is limited, particularly in the design phase of research proposals. Lack of time and not knowing who to talk to are constraints for most people, particularly for innovators in Internet use in rural Australia.
Research	A series of structured email activities were used over a four month period from September to December 2002 to generate and refine seven research and development proposals to enhance use of the Internet in rural and regional Australia. The eighty participants included farmers and graziers, business people and those from government and education, both from Australia and internationally.
Outcomes	The email games process is able to generate well-grounded proposals for research and development from people usually separated by distance and social networks. The design of the process is critical, requiring a three-pronged attention to the cognitive task at hand, the perspective of the participants, and the cohesive of the group as it develops. In communication with participants, a knowledge of the context in which they work is essential. In developing research proposals, participants must have broad knowledge of the field they are addressing in order to develop a rationale and workable methodology.
Implications	The use of email games presents an alternative to existing processes for seeking R&D proposals, which funders should trial in other areas.


 

Extension, Education and Training
 

Project Title:	Towards Professional Accreditation for Advisers and Consultants in Agriculture, Natural Resource Management and related sectors
RIRDC Project No:	AIA-10A
Researcher:	Dennis E Toohey
Organisation:	Australian Association Agricultural Consultants
Phone:	02.6041 4955
Fax:	02.60414350
Email:	tooheyde@albury.net.au
Objectives	· To investigate the need and support for a National Accreditation Scheme for professional consultants and advisers in agriculture, natural resource management and related sectors.
Background	The increasing complexity of land management for production and conservation has generated a need for specialist inputs by advisers and consultants. However, there are no prescribed qualifications or standards for such advisers and consultants, hence the interest in the development of a National Accreditation Scheme.
Research	A consultative process of focus groups and a workshop involving a spread of geographic and industry representatives focused on the need for professional accreditation, what such a scheme might contain, and how it might be achieved and implemented.
Outcomes	It was agreed that professional accreditation would have significant benefits for clients, the market and the individual professional. There was widespread support for a single national accreditation scheme that caters for the public, corporate and private sectors.
Implications	Advisers and consultants would need to undertake regular professional accreditation in order to access discounted professional indemnity insurance, have access to government-funded projects and recognition under quality assurance programs in national and international markets.


 
 

Project Title:	Government responses to farm poverty 1989-1998 The policy development process
RIRDC Project No:	ANU-43A
Researcher:	Linda Botterill
Organisation:	Australian National University
Phone:	(02) 6125 5534
Fax:	(02) 6125 2222
Email:	Linda.Botterill@anu.edu.au
Objectives	· The Objectives of the research were to complete a PhD thesis in political science and then rework the thesis for publication by RIRDC in order to generate debate within policy circles and the broader rural community about the way in which the government responds to farm poverty and how that response can be improved.
Background	Poverty has been a feature of Australian agriculture for decades and various programs have been incorporated within rural reconstruction and rural adjustment schemes over the years to provide household support to farmers experiencing financial hardship. In recent years there has been a series of complex schemes developed to respond to the needs of farm families in difficulty, including the Farm Household Support Scheme, the Drought Relief Payment and, more recently, the Farm Family Restart Scheme. These schemes have been developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Energy and its successor Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia in the context of the Department's structural adjustment objectives for the farm sector. The Project aims to generate debate about the values inherent in programs of this type and how different policy approaches might result in more effective government programs and improve the outcomes for farmers in poverty. Most academic work on rural issues has been undertaken to date by sociologists, agricultural economists and physical scientists. This project will broaden the understanding of government responses to farm poverty by examining the policy development process from a political science perspective.
Research	The Project initially took the form of an 80,000-100,000 word PhD thesis which examined how the Commonwealth Government developed policy in response to farm poverty in the decade from 1989. Using a number of political science theories the research developed an explanation of the policy process and how it impacted on the shape and outcomes of government programs. Research included interviews with key policy makers, interest groups, rural counsellors, individual farmers, politicians and rural commentators as well as an examination of the political science literature on policy development processes. The second stage of the project reworked the thesis into a more accessible, less academic style for publication by RIRDC.
Outcomes	The PhD thesis was submitted for examination in April 2001 and was passed without amendment in September 2001. The relevant portions of the thesis were then reworked into a Report and two short reports for RIRDC.


 
 
 
 

Project Title:	Short course for farmers using flexible delivery methods
RIRDC Project No:	GOC-1A
Researcher:	Dr. Christopher J. Bell
Organisation:	Gossamer Communications
Phone:	(03) 9439 2019
Fax:	(03) 9444 0686
Email:	c.bell@latrobe.edu.au
Objectives	· To test whether or not it is feasible in terms of the cost, technology and interest to offer a short course on an aspect of new technology of interest to farmers using the Internet, and · To determine whether such a course would be useful and acceptable to them if it were an informal short course offered by a commercial provider not associated with that technology.
Background	Education and training are seen as important for farmers, but are difficult because of their remoteness from sources of such training. The Internet has made considerable inroads into rural Australia and provides a possible means for the delivery of training, particularly short courses, at low cost.
Research	An Internet-based, introductory course on the technology of Precision Agriculture was developed and offered at low cost. The course was advertised in rural newspapers, at a field day and in farming magazines as well as on the Internet. Logs of interest and usage were kept and analysed.
Outcomes	Very few farmers took up the opportunity to take this course.
Implications	While the technology of the Internet was adequate for the course, this method of provision and delivery was not appropriate for farmers. It is likely that for any course to reach farmers, they must have a high degree of trust in the organisation offering the course, and in the means of delivery. This trust (social capital) must be built up within the local community (whether real or virtual), and will require new and innovative approaches using local resources. Possibilities include agricultural and other local colleges, and secondary schools. This will be a long-term process, and if increased training is seen as important in the short term, it may be best to encourage it by requiring certification by law (e.g. chemical handling), by quality assurance schemes such as ISO 14000 series or by scholarships and fellowships.


 

Project Title:	Older Farmers and Retirement
RIRDC Project No:	UNE-68A
Researcher:	Ms. Roslyn Foskey
Organisation:	University of New England Institute for Rural Futures ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone:	02 67732094
Fax:	02 67733245
Email:	rfoskey@metz.une.edu.au
Website:	www.ruralfutures.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 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 actions, including government policies and programs. · The development, pilot and evaluation of a retirement planning education program for farmers, in the two selected regions in consultation with appropriate government and community sector services.
Background	Retirement in Australia is a transition made by individuals and couples within a changing social and economic context. Prior to this study of the farm sector, there had been limited research in Australia that had focused on the expectations and experiences of retirement for people living in non-metropolitan areas. The high proportion of older farmers has often been perceived as a barrier to the implementation of structural adjustment policies in the industry.
Research	This study has sought to integrate ideas and concepts from a range of disciplines. It began with a review of relevant literature. In late 2000 and early 2001 research fieldwork was undertaken in the coastal areas of Alstonville and the Nambucca Valley and inland areas of Gunnedah and Glen Innes in northern New South Wales. A total of seventy-one people participated in the research interviews and focus groups, including eleven service providers, forty-one active farmers (including eight who had ‘retired’ to farming following another career), eight semi-retired farmers, and fifteen retired farmers. In the third stage a group of nine retired and semi-retired farmers were recruited as volunteer farm retirement helpers for a peer support program, which was then piloted in northern NSW October 2001 – June 2002.
Outcomes	This project assisted in raising awareness of the difference between succession planning and retirement planning amongst professionals dealing with the farm sector. It has demonstrated the importance of trained farmer peers who have already made the transition to retirement in promoting a more positive image of retirement as a new stage of life following a farming career. It has also shown the role these volunteer farm retirement helpers can play in extending the information and support network available to people in farming planning for the transition into retirement. The project has also illustrated the way in which the media can be utilized to assist in promoting discussion on retirement within the farming community and in challenging the stereotype that real farmers do not retire.
Implications	For many of the senior generation in farming four aspects of farm life are enmeshed and influence decision making – farm work as a central component of identity, the farm as home, attachment to the farm as a valued place and finally the farm as a business and source of income. Associated with this is often a lack of diversity in social networks and interests. However, societal change will continue to alter the balance between generations in farming and these are changes to which the industry will need to adapt. It can be predicted that, even with improvements in the process of transition into retirement, many of the senior generation of farmers will choose to remain active in their farm businesses well into later life. However it is important that farmers are given the knowledge and understanding to be able to make an informed choice on the timing and process of their retirement. The challenge for policy and practice is to ensure that, regardless of the age for eventual withdrawal from farming, the senior generation are assisted to undertake forward planning that includes preparation for retirement as a new stage of life. In order for this to occur the emphasis in retirement education for the senior generation in farming needs to shift away from a concentration almost solely on succession planning, to a more broadly based learner centred approach to life planning which takes place across a farming career.
Publications	Volunteer Farm Retirement Helpers – 8 minute promotional video, Institute For Rural Futures, February 2002.


 
 

Project Title:	Identifying how attitudinal factors impact on family farm business performance
RIRDC Project No:	USO-2A
Researcher:	A/Prof. Evan Hunt
Organisation:	The University of Sydney, PO Box 883, ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone:	02 6360 5518
Fax:	02 6360 5590
Email:	ehunt@orange.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.
Background	Previous studies have shown that farmers are not motivated by monetary success alone, and with the limitations of narrow economic models, it is important to be able to assess farming performance in other broad areas. This project has identified a group of high performers and a group of low performers based upon an extended model of measuring business performance. The business performance indicator was then used to identify other key components that indicate success, for example, attitudes and values, self efficacy, progressive management strategies and education factors.
Research	Using face-to-face interviews data were obtained from a random sample of 200 family farm businesses involving 308 individuals (100 females, 208 males), representing the farm management team, from NSE and Victoria covering a range of farming enterprises. Specific aspects explored in the research project were: business performance, attitudes and values (including self-efficacy), skills and education and training.
Outcomes	We identified statistically significant relationships among farmers’ business performance, attitudes, skill acquisition and development. For all farmers’ the maintaining of a positive, stable family relationship was of paramount importance in the running of the family farm business and that attitudes were largely shaped within the family situation. Farmers’ identified as high performers: · Had a higher self-efficacy. · Less active in the community. · More likely to give a high priority to family issues and a lower priority to environmental issues. · Committed to the creation of long term wealth. · On average, eight years younger than the lower performers. Farmers’ identified as low performers: · Had low self-efficacy. · Less confident in their own ability to effect change and thus business performance. · More likely to seek to maximise profits. · More highly committed to the farms’ environmental health. · More likely to give a high priority to family issues and lower priority to business issues.
Implications	· Entrepreneurial characteristics, such as risk acceptance and high levels of self-efficacy appear to be acquired from a combination of formal, informal, and on-the-job learning. · Topics aimed at developing family relationships and health need to be incorporated into future training programs for farmers. · Learning experiences based in natural settings, e.g. the farm, using authentic activities have the potential to develop the cognitive capabilities of transferability and adaptability of knowledge. · Experiential, continuous, relevant action learning style processes are the ways that motivated successful farmers learn. · The gap in management attitudes and skills of the management teams of different agricultural enterprises should be addressed.

Rural Communities and Social Issues
 

Project Title:	Case studies of the emergence of E-work in rural Australia
RIRDC Project No:	ECU-12A
Researcher:	Professor Alan Black
Organisation:	Edith Cowan University
Phone:	08 6304 5844
Fax:	08 6304 5866
Email:	a.black@ecu.edu.au
Objectives	The overall objective of this research is to determine the impacts of various farm business structures on the economic and social well-being and sustainability of rural communities. The more specific objectives are: · To assess the relative contribution of different farm business structures to local and regional economic activity in five case study communities.  · To assess the economic and social impacts of different farm business structures on these rural communities. · To determine the infrastructure and service needs associated with various farm business structures. · To provide a basis for informed decision-making on issues such as local and regional investment and development strategies, infrastructure and service provision, land-use planning, and agricultural policy.
Background	This project developed out of a workshop (ECU-10A) funded by RIRDC that identified issues needing empirical investigation.
Research	Data were gathered through a literature review, interviews with various stakeholders and a mail survey of persons associated with family farms and corporate farms in five case study localities: Berri/Barmera (South Australia), Circular Head (Tasmania), Leeton (NSW), Narrabri (NSW), and Wambo/Dalby (Queensland).
Outcomes	Detailed analysis was made of the impact of two forms of corporate involvement in farming: contract farming and corporate farming.
Implications	Whilst rural communities may receive many benefits from both contract farming and corporate farming, there are some risks or potential negative effects associated with each of these business structures. The report makes recommendations on ways in which the benefits can be maximised and the potential negative impacts minimised.
Publications	The report will be published by RIRDC under the title Rural Communities and Changing Farm Business Structures: An Assessment of the Socio-Economic Impacts.

Project Title:	OPTIONS SERIES: Sources of farm household income - policy implications
RIRDC Project No:	SYC-8A
Researcher:	Tony Gleeson
Organisation:	Synapse Research & Consulting
Phone:	(07) 3844 2370
Fax:	(07) 3844 2370
Email:	syncons@ozemail.com.au
Objectives	· To examine the significance of off farm income for farm families and their management practices through a review of social, agricultural and income tax statistics, Australian and overseas literature, and a series of case studies of the off farm activities of farmers engaged in innovative farming practices.
Background	Almost universally the trend towards multiple income streaming in the farm sector is perceived negatively. It is perceived as an undesirable ‘last option’ response to financial adjustment pressures. While overseas research has analysed the phenomenon of multiple farm income streams within a broader context, there is little Australian literature that takes a multi-faceted view of the increasing reliance of Australian farm households on non-agricultural income.
Research	This report has analysed Australian and overseas literature, ABS, ABARE and taxation statistics, sociological and geographical data, and a selected group of innovative farmers in order to present a broader perspective of farm household income streams than is commonly apparent in rural policies and programs.
Outcomes	The research indicates that many farmers have multiple income streams, and that off farm income provides a significant contribution to farm household income for a large proportion of farm families. In addition to this, the research suggests that the decision for farmers to work off farm is shaped by a number of complex and interrelating social, cultural and geographical factors as well as economic ones. Factors such as geography, gender, educational qualifications, business characteristics and experience all influence a farmer’s decision to work off farm. They also influence the nature of work undertaken, the hours spent off farm, and the income derived from off farm income.
Implications	The earning of off farm income has traditionally been viewed as a negative response to increasing financial pressures. However this report indicates that there may be many positive consequences of the multiple sourcing of income by farm households; and that multiple income streaming, particularly but not exclusively for farm households, is now an important determinant of the future economic, ecological and social health of rural Australia.


 
 

Project Title:	Attitudes to recreational use of private rural lands
RIRDC Project No:	UNE-84A
Researcher:	Elaine Barclay
Organisation:	Institute for Rural Futures The University of New England
Phone:	(02) 67735141
Fax:	(02)67733245
Email:	ebarclay@metz.une.edu.au
Objectives	· The study aimed to conduct a series of focus groups and interviews with farmers, shooters organizations and other recreation groups to examine the attitudes of each group towards the issue of recreational access to private rural lands, identify the primary concerns of each group and seek some solutions towards possible cooperative ventures between the parties.
Background	Previous studies conducted by the author revealed that illegal trespassers and shooters cause considerable concern for farmers. The offenders appear to have little respect for farm property, frequently damaging crops, livestock and farm infrastructure. As a consequence, many landholders deny access to their properties to all but family and close friends. With many national parks and forests also restricting access to the general public, the opportunities for outdoor recreation in rural areas are becoming less and less.
Research	Focus groups and interviews were conducted in three regions: the northwest plains and the northern Tablelands of New South Wales, and southern Queensland. The focus groups were held with three farmers’ organisations, three shooters’ clubs and three four-wheel-drive clubs. Interviews were held with farmers, professional hunters, rural police and key informants from government agencies.
Outcomes	The study found that landholder attitudes to recreational access to their properties were largely influenced by the type and extent of recreational activities and their past experiences with recreationists. Concerns about public liability in the event of an accident and their personal values and beliefs, local and family traditions were also influencing factors. There is a lack of communication between landholders and recreationists
Implications	Outdoor recreation is a legitimate land use but the opportunities are becoming increasingly less. Improved communication between farmer organisations, National Parks and State Forests, hunters, four-wheel-drive groups and several other recreation groups with an interest in accessing private rural lands would improve understanding and lead to possible cooperative ventures to improve opportunities for outdoor recreation in rural areas.

Project Title:	More than an Education: Leadership for rural school- community partnerships
RIRDC Project No:	UT-31A
Researcher:	Dr Sue Kilpatrick
Organisation:	Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia, University of Tasmania Locked Bag 1-313 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 to their communities’ development beyond traditional forms of education of young people. · 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.
Background	Research suggests there are a number of economic and social benefits to communities from rural schools, which are not well understood. This project stemmed from a need within the Australian rural context to better understand how community social capital can be built using the resources and opportunities provided by schools, and the role of leadership in the process.
Research	The project comprised case studies of five rural communities in different Australian States. Communities were selected to reflect diversity in terms of population size, industry base, school provision, geographic isolation, and level of maturity of the school- community partnership. Three data collection techniques were used: semi-structured interviews, observation, and written documentation collected from school and community sources. Following data analysis, preliminary findings were presented at community meetings in each study site, and participants were invited to have input into drafting recommendations, which informed the final report.
Outcomes	Rural school- community partnerships facilitate interaction through which social capital is built, leading to increased individual and community capacity. Effective leadership for school–community partnerships is a collective process through which school and community together develop and enact shared visions that reflect their collective needs and collective future. Developing effective school–community partnerships requires rural schools and communities to learn together how to adapt, mould and shape policy to support their vision, and to risk take when necessary. VET-in-schools programs play an important rural community development role for which further research is planned.
Implications	Rural schools and communities must: value youth, scan the horizon for new opportunities, encourage broad-based participation in school and community leadership, recognise that the development of school–community links takes time, and involve external stakeholders from the beginning. Policy makers must: ensure continuity of resources and policy flexibility, facilitate the appointment of school–community liaison officers, and refocus VET-in-schools programs to include rural community development.
Publications	Johns, S., Kilpatrick, S., Falk, I. & Mulford, B. 2000, ‘Taking the lead: The role of rural schools in community development’, Paper presented at Education: The Global TSPA/CCEAM/ACEA/ NZEAS/PNGCEA International Conference, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, 9- 12 September. Johns, S., Kilpatrick, S., Falk, I. & Mulford, B. 2001, ‘Thinking outside the box’, Refereed paper presented at Research to Reality AVETRA Conference, Adelaide Hilton, Adelaide, 28- 30 March. Johns, S., Kilpatrick, S., Falk, I. & Mulford, B. 2001, ‘Leadership from within: Rural community revitalisation and the school- community partnership’, Youth Studies Australia, vol. 20, no. 3, September, pp. 20- 25.

Policies and Institutions
 

Project Title:	Literature review: risk and risk perception
RIRDC Project No:	BRR-8A
Researcher:	Dr. Nicki Mazur
Organisation:	Bureau of Rural Sciences Social Sciences Centre PO Box 858 KINGSTON ACT 2601
Phone:	02 6272-3371
Fax:	02 6272-4687
Email:	nicki.mazur@brs.gov.au
Objectives	· The proposal is to undertake an interdisciplinary literature review on risk and risk perception. The research will investigate and review a range of risk literature including sociological, psychological, economic, policy and technical.
Background	A number of key areas of rural policy are based on the concept of risk management. Biosecurity, Australia applies risk assessment techniques when assessing proposals for the import of animals and plants and their products into Australia. The National Drought Policy is based on a risk management approach to climate variability. These policies are based on a particular technical, probabilistic understanding of risk, which may not be shared by the broader stakeholder community with which policy makers’ deal. The mismatch between policy makers’ understanding of risk and that of their stakeholders can lead to sub optimal policy outcomes. An improved understanding of the public’s perceptions of risk will contribute to better communication of government decisions, for example in the area of quarantine risk analysis.
Research	The proposal is to undertake an interdisciplinary literature review on risk and risk perception. This entails an investigation of a wide range of risk literature across numerous scientific disciplines.
Outcomes	This completed report provides an increased understanding of the diversity of theoretical approaches to risk and risk perception and the available work on farmers’ perceptions of risk. Upon publication and dissemination, it will benefit a range of industries by clarifying the meaning and intent of the term risk as used by policy makers and others and will highlight areas of confusion. It will also provide a useful tool for policy makers in improving their communication with stakeholder groups by alerting them to possible ambiguities in the use of the term ‘risk management’.
Implications	While most agree that farmers tend to be risk averse, it is less clear how different farmers’ and rural communities’ risk perceptions are from the rest of society, because of a dearth of Australian research on these groups and on the influence of other socio-demographic factors. This research shortage needs to be redressed given that the success of a range of agricultural, NRM and rural policies and programs depends on understanding how farmers’ (and rural communities) perceive risk and how those perceptions vary among individuals, groups and communities. Furthermore, declining trust in institutions responsible for science and technology may be exacerbated by continued reliance on older models of risk communication. Innovative risk communication models focus on: ‘risk’ as socially constructed; valuing different forms of knowledge; and improving public participation in risk assessment and management. Yet there are significant challenges to facilitating more and inclusive dialogues with the public and a range of capacity building strategies are needed which target the public as well as policy and scientific communities.
Publications	The report will be published as part of the RIRDC report series.

Farm Health and Safety
 

Project Title:	4th National Farm Injury Prevention Conference
RIRDC Project No.:	FAI-1A
Researcher:	Richard Franklin
Organisation:	Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety PO Box 256 Moree NSW 2400