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

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To Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems  Completed Projects

Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 2002-2003

Information and Communications Systems:

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
ECU-11A	Case studies of the emergence of E-work in rural Australia	Dr. Peter Standen	(08) 9273 8335	Edith Cowan University
ECU-14A	Effective use of the internet to help retain professionals employed in rural Australia	Dr. Anthony Herrington	(08) 9400 5571	Edith Cowan University
RJP-4A	Internet and E-commerce guide updates	Mr. Robert J Parker	0407 021 336	Mr Robert J. Parker

Extension, Education and Training:

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
BCG-1A	Virtual field day for improved decision making	Dr. Harm van Rees	(03) 5439 3089	Birchip Cropping Group

Rural Communities and Social Issues:

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
BRR-6A	Profiling Australia 's rural population and industries	Dr. Allan Curtis	(02) 6272 3933	Bureau of Rural Sciences
UM-48A	Techniques for the growth of the family farm business	Mr. Geoffrey Tually	(03) 5362 2222	The University of Melbourne

Farm Health and Safety

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
CUT-7A	Reducing all-terrain vehicle injury	Dr. Tony Lower	(08) 9359 4118	Curtin University of Technology
QUT-5A	Organophosphate exposure in agricultural workers: human exposure and risk assessment.	A/Prof. Michael Capra	(07) 3964 5804	Queensland University of Technology

Scholarships

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
UG-5A	RIRDC Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture (ACIPA)	Prof. Brad Sherman	(07) 3875 5449	Griffith University

Capacity Building for Innovation in Rural Industries – Cooperative Venture

PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
CSW-37A	Participative evaluation of learning and impacts from "farmer-driven RDE"	Dr. Peter Carberry	(07) 4688 1377	CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
CSW-38A	Targeting 'pragmatist' farmers in transfer of simulation-based decision support	Dr. Lisa Brennan	(07) 3214 2373	CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
DAV-201A	Improving delivery mechanisms for sustainable land management in the small farm sector	Ms. Carol Hollier	(02) 6030 4500	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
JMA-1A	Capacity building cooperative venture coordination	Mr. John McKenzie	(02) 6366 5000	John McKenzie & Associates Pty Ltd
NAT-1A	Communication strategy for the CV: capacity building for innovation in rural industries-consultancy	Ms. Anne Currey	(02) 6628 7079	Naturally Resourceful Pty Ltd
RRE-1A	Capacity Building for Innovation in Rural Industries Cooperative Venture Project 1 - National Education/Extension Evaluation	Dr. Jeff Coutts	0438 361153	Roberts Research and Evaluation Pty Ltd
UM-62A	Reconceptualising extension to deliver triple bottom line outcomes	Dr. Ruth Beilin	(03) 9250 6859	The University of Melbourne
UNE-85A	Creating inspiration - how visual and performing arts shape environmental behaviour	Dr. Nick Reid	(02) 6773 2759	University of New England

Information and Communication Systems
 

Project Title	Case studies of the emergence of E-work in rural Australia
RIRDC Project No:	ECU-11A
Start Date:	15-Aug-2001
Finish Date:	21-Oct-2003
Researcher:	Dr Peter Standen
Organisation:	Edith Cowan University School of Management Pearson Street CHURCHLANDS WA 6018
Phone:	(08) 9273 8335
Fax:	(08) 9273 8754
Email:	p.standen@ecu.edu.au
Objectives	· To investigate the factors that encourages firms to use new information and communication technologies to employ workers or subcontract suppliers of 'information work' in rural areas. To identify the consequences of this new form of work for workers and their communities. To disseminate the findings through a report to RIRDC.
Current Progress	The research has been completed. All case studies have been conducted and the results analysed. We have conducted an extensive literature survey, and analysed a number of secondary case studies. In addition we have interviewed a number of officials of regional development authorities at state and local government levels.  The results have been presented at a workshop in Canberra, and at several international conferences where we have discussed them with experts from other countries. We have completed approximately 90% of final report and are now finalising it for submission to RIRDC next month.

Project Title	Effective use of the Internet to help retain professionals employed in rural Australia
RIRDC Project No:	ECU-14A
Start Date:	9-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Apr-04
Researcher:	Dr. Anthony Herrington
Organisation:	Edith Cowan University Community Services, Education and Social Sciences JOONDALUP WA 6027
Phone:	08 9400 5571
Fax:	08 9400 5615
Email:	a.herrington@ecu.edu.au
Objectives	· This project will identify effective ways in which the Internet can be used to overcome the isolation of professionals employed in rural Australia. Professionals employed in rural locations will be surveyed and interviewed with regard to their needs, awareness, use and benefits of the Internet for professional development and support. Guidelines will be produced to document strategies for the design and delivery of effective use of the Internet to support and assist professionals in rural areas of Australia.
Current Progress	The research is progressing to plan with a great deal of progress made in the examination of the extent of professional development support provided, via the internet, to professionals working in rural and remote areas. Internet web sites that offer support for education and health sector professionals in rural communities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States of America have been identified, described and classified. Similarly, literature searches have been completed to identify articles describing the use of the internet relevant to this study. A review of this literature and websites is continuing. Regular meetings are held with the Chief Investigators and Research Assistant to monitor progress. A draft questionnaire has been developed to survey education and health sector professionals employed in rural communities and is currently being circulated to key sector personnel for advice and permission for use. Relevant professional bodies are also being contacted to obtain their support in obtaining a high return rate for the survey. Ethics clearance is currently being sought from Edith Cowan University Ethics Committee.

Project Title	Internet and E-commerce Guide Updates
RIRDC Project No:	RJP-4A
Start Date:	1-May-02
Finish Date:	30-June-03
Researcher:	Mr. Robert J Parker
Organisation:	27 Collingwood St Paddington Brisbane QLD 4064
Phone:	0407 021 336
Email:	rjparker@bigpond.com
Objectives	· To expand the existing Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet web site to accommodate the soon to be released Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce publication. The site will be re-arranged as necessary to facilitate the promotion of both publications through the one web site and allow easy access to the reviews of web resources for each publication.
Current Progress	The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce was released in June of 2002 and the re-vamped and expanded Farmers Guide web site was brought online at the same time to capitalise on the launch of the hardcopy publication. The original Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet web site has been split into two sections so that visitors accessing the original web address now have the choice of visiting The Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet web site or The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce web site.  The web sites reviewed within The Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet site continue to be re-assessed, and re-written as necessary to accurately reflect each sites content. New web reviews are also being added to the site regularly, while web sites that are no longer active or relevant are removed from the site.  The web site reviews from the hardcopy publication of The Rural and Regional Guide to E-commerce were incorporated into the new web site from the outset of the project, and have since been complemented by the inclusion of many additional web site reviews.  The net result of the above activity is the steady expansion of the number of web resources listed and reviewed for the benefit of Australia’s agricultural sector and regional and rural small to medium enterprises. The new site structure continues to encourage site visitors to recommend sites for inclusion in the site, and links to the RIRDC online shopping service where both these and other RIRDC publications can be purchased online.

Extension, Education and Training
 

Project Title	Virtual Field Day for improved decision making
RIRDC Project No:	BCG-1A
Start Date:	21-Jun-02
Finish Date:	30-Apr-05
Researcher:	Dr. Harm van Rees
Organisation:	Birchip Cropping Group RSD 69 Rooney Road STRATHFIELDSAYE VIC 3551
Phone:	03 5439 3089
Fax:	03 5439 3169
Email:	harm@cropfacts.com.au
Objectives	· The VFD system will allow the distribution of information on cropping trials to farmers via the internet or CD. It is intended to supplement the paper publication of information and the annual field day where crop trials can be examined. The information will be displayed though Graphical User Interface (GUI) and will include video, images and text regarding the developmental stages and up-to-date maintenance needs of the crop.
Current Progress	The VFD software is now operational and is being tested in house. This season it will be loaded on to BCG member computers in CD format to improve access of large audio-visual files.  Due to the project not commencing until June 2002 (5 months behind originally anticipated) and issues with the original software requiring further development, it is now due for operational status in 2003. BCG representatives have met with software developers to finalise this stage. Contributing to addressing the internet access, has been the site hosting of the BCG website – which is in the process of being transferred to another website host and revamping of the overall website to accommodate the VFD.  Restricted user access of internet site for VFD trials has commenced in trial capacity. Open user access of internet site for VFD trials will commence in 2003 and increase throughout the year. Trials information is being loaded onto the VFD site. Crop growth, agronomic issues and climate data is being collated and loaded onto the site.


 
 
 

Rural Communities and Social Issues
 

Project Title	Profiling Australia 's rural population and industries
RIRDC Project No:	BRR-6A
Start Date:	9-Jan-01
Finish Date:	30-Aug-03
Researcher:	Dr. Allan Curtis
Organisation:	Bureau of Rural Sciences GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601
Phone:	(02) 6272 3933
Fax:	(02) 6272 5161
Objectives	· To have policy makers and program planners gain a stronger understanding of social conditions and trends and how they impact on a wide range of natural resource management and rural and regional industry and community policies and programs · by delivering a number of products that allow user-friendly access to comprehensive and geographically referenced data and information on population and rural industry trends in rural and regional AustraliaProject deliverables include a CD-ROM and Web based version of a rural industries and communities 'Social Atlas'; Industry and community profile summaries; and two technical reports on rural ageing and the viability of small country towns. A camera-ready hard copy social atlas will be provided by the Principal Investigator and will be published by RIRDC.
Current Progress	Dr Allan Curtis has replaced Dr Gerald Haberkorn as the principal project researcher. Project completion was extended from August to October 30, 2003 by agreement with Dr Roslyn Prinsley. A draft of the Country matters-social atlas of rural and regional Australia, 2001 was reviewed by the ABS and RIRDC. A copy of the final draft will agreed upon by ABS and RIRDC in early August and any comments incorporated. An October launch is expected pending ministerial and stakeholder availability. A technical paper on Ageing in Rural and Regional Australia has been completed. The paper examines the spatial dimensions of population ageing in Australia. The paper identifies regional variations in ageing, reviews important attributes of older Australians and reflects on the implications of trends in ageing for rural and regional Australia. A technical report (Small towns: population trends 1991-2001) was also completed which examined small town population growth and decline across Australia, including a regional study of the Murrumbidgee Catchment in NSW. Industry profiles are currently being undertaken to provide a social profile of decision makers within the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, sector and within the Dairy industry specifically. Variables covered will include aspects of population, age, education, income, off-property work, family structure, and mobility. These technical reports are due for completion by October 30.

Project Title	OPTIONS SERIES: Techniques for the growth of the family farm business
RIRDC Project No:	UM-48A
Start Date:	15/08/00
Finish Date:	30/08/03
Researcher:	Mr. Geoffrey Tually
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne Dookie College. Dookie VIC 3647.
Phone:	03 5833 9283
Fax:	03 5833 9201
Email:	gtually@unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	· To provide farm families in Australia with an alternative to the traditional perspective of handing on the family farm. · To develop methods/techniques of using legal ownership structures to maintain the farm family business integrity from one generation to the next and how this can be used as a vehicle for growth of the farm family business. The developed methods/techniques will take into consideration the effects of current and proposed changes to the taxation legislation.
Current Progress	Project in final write up stage. 2 significant aspects are of interest; 1. GAP between ‘Peer review’ and ‘farm family review’. Required, as a component of the project, a short paper, suitable for publication in a Farmers Options Manual, to be developed. This paper (13 pages) was developed with assistance of a number of farm family members, as to content and presentation. When this paper was presented, December, 2001 and ‘Peer Reviewed’, it was deemed UNEXCEPTABLE for publication, May 2002. Following negative peer review, the paper, along with a 3 page questionnaire (20 questions), was forwarded by mail to another group of 53 farm families for their evaluation. Response rate 56.57%. Top mean rating for a question on Ownership Structures, using a 7 point scale was 6.7. Comment: "Get this information out on to the kitchen table as quickly as possible, it will help so many people". 2. Rural Adjustment issue. 17 case studies were reviewed of which 2 were successful transfers of the farm to the next generation. All remaining cases exhibited minor to major problems associated with family farm transfer to the next generation, including turning viable family farms into non-viable family farms ‘overnight’, creating rural adjustment problems, including farm family disharmony.


 

Farm Health and Safety
 

Project Title	Reducing all-terrain vehicle injury
RIRDC Project No:	CUT-7A
Start Date:	1-Jan-01
Finish Date:	30-Nov-03
Researcher:	Dr. Tony Lower
Organisation:	Curtin University of Technology CUCRH PO Box 109 GERALDTON WA 6531
Phone:	08 9359 4118
Fax:	08 9359 4118
Email:	nicoleegginton@bigpond.com
Objectives	· To identify the efficacy of ATV training to reduce injury prevalence and severity in a high risk group.
Current Progress	In March 2001 an existing validated instrument (pre-intervention survey) covering a range of issues relating to ATV use and self-reported injury, was assessed for test-retest reliability. Following verification of the reliability, the questionnaire was distributed to six Western Australian Agricultural colleges (n=440) with response from 330 (73%) of participants).  The colleges were then grouped into one of two categories matched on gender, agricultural activities, and the number of students that have access to an ATV on the family property (this was clarified by the questionnaire).  A representative from each of the six Agricultural Colleges was trained by Honda Australia rider Training and was accredited in the delivery of an ATV course. Subjects in the intervention group (Group A) received competency based ATV rider training in June 2000. The control group (Group B) received the standard curriculum that involved no attention to the issue of ATV safety. In June 2001 a post intervention survey replicating the initial pre-intervention survey was completed.  June 2002 another post-intervention survey replicating the initial pre and post-intervention surveys was conducted. The results from the follow-up surveys are currently being analysed using chi-squares to identify variations in self-reported injuries between group A and B, with multiple logistic regression being used to identify predictors of injury. A cost benefit analysis of the introduction of the training in respect to injury outcomes will also be completed.

Project Title	Organophosphate exposure in agricultural workers: human exposure and risk assessment.
RIRDC Project No:	QUT-5A
Start Date:	7-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Nov-04
Researcher:	A/Prof. Michael Capra
Organisation:	School of Health Sciences University of Newcastle University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308
Phone:	02 4921 6313
Fax:	02 4921 7479
Email:	Mike.Capra@newcastle.edu.au
Objectives	· To improve farmers ability to monitor and asses their exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides by examining the usability of urine metabolite testing as a risk assessment tool for agricultural workers. · To develop and pilot risk assessment guidelines for organophosphate exposed agricultural workers based on urinary metabolite analysis. · To provide information of use to rural doctors for the correlation of symptomology and biological monitoring results by investigating correlations between urine metabolite levels and OP related symptoms and other health effects.
Current Progress	A pilot study involving 11 farmers was completed by the end of 2002. The selection of farmers for the pilot study and the main study was achieved with the full cooperation of the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG). The pilot study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collection of data from the main study began early in 2003 with 25 farmers already completing the interviewer-administered questionnaire and 12 farmers providing urine samples for analysis of organophosphate metabolite concentration. The participants have been fruit and vegetable growers drawn from the Southeast farming areas of Queensland including: Gatton, Toowoomba, Laidley, Lowood, Tamborine Mountains and the Redlands. The second phase of the project involving organophosphate pesticide formulators is awaiting approval from the companies involved, but data collection should commence after July this year. Data collection will be continuing throughout this year. The project has strong industry and government support from the QFVG, the Queensland Division of Workplace Health and Safety and Workcover NSW.

Scholarships
 

Project Title	RIRDC Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture (ACIPA)
RIRDC Project No:	UG-5A
Start Date:	7-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Jun-05
Researcher:	Prof. Brad Sherman
Organisation:	Griffith University Director Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture Law Faculty NATHAN QLD 4111
Phone:	07 3875 5449
Fax:	07 3875 5599
Email:	b.sherman@mailbox.gu.edu.au
Objectives	· Consultation and advice on intellectual property related matters from ACIPA staff, as and when required · Formal Annual Updates on intellectual property developments delivered to RIRDC Board and to senior RIRDC Staff · Updates and reports on important legal and regulatory decisions on intellectual property and their impact on RIRDC as they arise · Availability of Research Fellow and/or other ACIPA staff to attend RIRDC Board meetings where appropriate  · Ongoing point of contact for RIRDC Managers and staff for direction on specific intellectual property issues as they arise · Development of full set of Guidelines on Commercialisation and IP Management at the end of year one, followed by annual updates to this document as needed · Ongoing monitoring of impact and effectiveness of RIRDC Commercialisation and IP policy (Policy Document to be completed at end of year one) · Provision of Training Programs for Research Managers and other senior RIRDC staff (2 training programs in year one, followed by annual updating session), including the development and provision of Training Materials  · Guaranteed places at all conferences and seminars organised and delivered by ACIPA for RIRDC senior staff or nominees, free of charge
Current Progress	RIRDC Research Fellow Michael Handler joined ACIPA in January 2003. Michael is the ongoing point of contact for RIRDC staff on intellectual property related matters. Michael, with other ACIPA staff, has provided advice as requested to General Managers of Research on IP issues affecting various research projects and outcomes, in doing so monitoring the effectiveness of RIRDC’s Commercialisation and IP Policy. Michael has also jointly established and is currently running a series of five monthly training seminars in Canberra on IP issues affecting RDCs, and has co-authored the training materials distributed to the participants. These seminars are free for RIRDC staff, as are ACIPA’s annual conferences. Michael also attended the first RIRDC Board Subcommittee on IP and Commercialisation and will provide advice to the Subcommittee as requested. More generally, ACIPA has developed RIRDC’s Guidelines on Commercialisation and IP Management, which will be reviewed as needed. ACIPA and RIRDC have agreed to investigate ACIPA providing further specific and intensive training for senior RIRDC staff, including participating in the 2003 RIRDC staff workshop, and that ACIPA will provide RIRDC with information and advice on legal and policy developments relating to IP and their impact on RIRDC, as and when such developments arise.


 

Capacity Building for Innovation in Rural Industries – Cooperative Venture
 

Project Title	Participative evaluation of learning and impacts from "farmer-driven RDE"
RIRDC Project No:	CSW-37A
Start Date:	7-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Nov-05
Researcher:	Dr. Peter Carberry
Organisation:	CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems Agricultural Production Systems Research Unit 203 Tor Street TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350
Phone:	(07) 4688 1377
Fax:	(07) 4688 1193
Email:	peter.carberry@csiro.au
Objectives	Together with influential, proactive farmer groups, this project will enhance the design, implementation and evaluation of "farmer-driven RDE" in Australia through: 1. formation of recommended actions to improve processes, learnings and impacts through review of past, current and planned RDE activities of collaborating farmer groups; and 2. active involvement of researchers alongside farmer and adviser members of collaborating groups in designing, implementing and evaluating RDE case studies which have adopted recommendations from 1.
Current Progress	This project has only just commenced. It was proposed by APSRU in collaboration with members of two proactive farmer groups in the grains industry – the Birchip Cropping Group (www.bcg.org.au) in southern Australia and Conservation Farmers Inc (www.cfi.org.au) in northern Australia. These two groups have agreed to participate in the project and are collaborating with APSRU in designing and implementing trials during the 2003 winter season. Trials include characterisation of soil properties in the Victorian Mallee (BCG) and deep sowing wheat and chickpea in northern NSW (CFI). In addition to the two dryland farming groups, the project is establishing collaborative investigation into farmer-participatory research in the sugar and viticulture industries. In the sugar industry, links have been established with Geoff Inman-Bamber (CSE) who has agreed to provide conduit to sugar industry groups. Geoff has invited APSRU participation in a new SRDC-funded project "Moving from case studies to whole of industry: implementing methods for wider industry adoption" (starting in July 2003). The SRDC project will work in different sugar production regions, with work in the Bundaberg region likely to be the focus for cross-project collaboration. Specific project activities will be planned after July 2003. A number of contacts have been made with stakeholders in the viticulture industry but, as yet, specific project collaboration has not been established. Industry consultation is currently underway with selection of a participating group to be achieved by July 2003.


 
 
 
 

Project Title	Targeting 'pragmatist' farmers in transfer of simulation-based decision support
RIRDC Project No.:	CSW-38A
Start Date:	7-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Nov-05
Researcher:	Dr. Lisa Brennan
Organisation:	CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems Queensland Bioscience Precinct 306 Carmody Road St Lucia, QLD, 4067
Phone:	07 3214 2373
Fax:	07 3214 2308
Email:	Lisa.Brennan@csiro.au
Objectives	This project will: · demonstrate a way to effectively implement powerful computer-mediated decision support for risk management in dryland farming among a sufficient segment of the farming community to enable a viable commercial agribusiness service. · contribute within an existing network of consultants and farmers in which the FARMSCAPE approach to decision support is being implemented in the Northern Cropping Region by intervening to create reference groups of satisfied adopters among the 'pragmatist' category of farmers who are crucial to the diffusion process required for viable market volume. · provide new knowledge about "market segments" in the farming community crucial to avoiding marketing failures in adoption of "discontinous" technologies.
Current Progress	Progress to date has mainly involved negotiating suitable case studies which involve the use of computer simulation technology by farmers in ways designed to aid risk management on farms. In the Birchip Cropping Group case study, based in Victoria, we are focusing on farmers’ adoption preferences in relation to a service provides information on the seasonal outlook for grain crops based on the results of a crop simulation model. In another case study we have linked to a group of client farmers of FARMSCAPE-accredited consulting firm Wesfarmers-Landmark, Darling Downs, Queensland, in order to assist the agribusiness sector achieve widespread impact with crop-production simulation technology. A case study in the sugar industry where a crop simulation model will be used to aid farmers’ irrigation management decisions has been negotiated. A fourth case study in the livestock industry will also be added shortly. Through farmer interviews, evaluation of adoption behaviour of participating farmers within each case study has commenced. The data collected through these interviews describes management practices of participating farmers, history of technology adoption, and attitudes concerning information technology and management of climate, market and environmental risks. These ‘baseline’ data provide a benchmark against which changes in farmers’ technology adoption preferences resulting from the proposed project activities can be compared.

Project Title	Improving delivery mechanisms for sustainable land management in the small farm sector
RIRDC Project No:	DAV-201A
Start Date:	8-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Aug-05
Researcher:	Ms. Carol Hollier
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic) RMB 1145 Chiltern Valley Road RUTHERGLEN VIC 3685
Phone:	(02) 6030 4500
Fax:	(02) 6030 4600
Email:	carole.hollier@nre.vic.gov
Objectives	The long -term outcome of this project will be an increase in sustainable land management on small rural properties through greater landholder participation in appropriate natural resource management extension programs. This will be achieved as a result of improved understanding of the needs of the small farm sector and the identification of best practices in extension and training. Development of strategies to engage the small and lifestyle farm sector and the professional development of rural service providers (advisors and trainers) will assist in building regional capacity. This will enable small property owners to confidently respond to the challenges and opportunities associated with natural resource management and land ownership. The project will deliver: · A new model for innovative education and knowledge exchange programs for small property owners. · Improved delivery mechanisms, network and training resources to increase participation of small property owners in natural resource extension programs. · New strategies to engage small land managers and enhance the professional development of rural service providers. · Improved understanding of the drivers of change in the small farm sector for land stewardship.
Current Progress	A qualitative research framework has been developed including the identification of key informants based on a case study approach in the pilot region of North East Victoria. The research will be expanded into the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales in July 2003. Research methods include focus groups, workshops, surveys and semi-structured interviews. In the north east pilot region a series of focus and discussion groups have been held with: · Small and lifestyle landholders  · Private consultants · Government extension agents · Landcare Network Co-ordinators · Local government land planners  A questionnaire survey has been conducted as part of a specialised small farm field day in the Seymour region to explore characteristics of the sector, their interests and views with regard to natural resource management. Fifteen small and lifestyle farmers have taken part in a pilot interviews to further develop and revise research questions to investigate the attributes and values of the sector to natural resource.  More than 40 Government agency staff currently delivering industry development extension and environmental programs participated in a workshop to explore attitudes to the small and lifestyle farm sector and new approaches to engage the sector in June 2003.


 
 

Project Title	Capacity building cooperative venture coordination
RIRDC Project No:	JMA-1A
Start Date:	7-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Jun-03
Researcher:	Mr. John McKenzie
Organisation:	John McKenzie & Associates Pty Ltd 20 Quarry Farm Road FOREST REEFS NSW 2798
Phone:	(02) 6366 5400
Fax:	(02) 6366 5142
Email:	mckenzj@ix.net.au
Objectives	The mission of the Cooperative Venture is to enhance the capacity of Cooperative Venture participants and other institutions to effect change through cooperation and joint resourcing to: · facilitate R&D in key areas identified by the Cooperative Venture · deliver learning methods and processes to Cooperative Venture partners and other stakeholders · provide a forum for stakeholders to learn from and help each other · promote the benefits of human capacity development in managing change.
Current Progress	Four key result areas have been identified where investment in capacity building will be most effective. Key Result Area 1 – "What works and Why" The objective of this key result area is to identify current ‘best practices’ in extension/education and training to assist in the design and delivery of learning.  Seven projects have either commenced or are in negotiation in this area. Key Result Area 2 – Fostering involvement The objectives in this key result area are to improve understanding of non-participation in learning activities and increase the accessibility of learning activities and involvement of the farming community. Five projects have either commenced or are in negotiation in this area. Key Result Area 3 – Optimising institutional arrangements The objectives in this key result area are to promote and rethink rural extension/education arrangements of government, industry, and community groups so that they respond to new and changing environments and promote enhanced learning and practice. Three projects have either commenced or are in negotiation in this area. Key Result area 4 – Support for rural educators The objective of this key result area is to enhance the capacity of rural extension/education providers to deliver and enable effective learning activities. Two projects have either commenced or are in negotiation in this area.


 
 

Project Title	Communication strategy for the cooperative venture: capacity building for innovation in rural industries - consultancy
RIRDC Project No:	NAT-1A
Start Date:	8-Jan-02
Finish Date:	31-Jul-03
Researcher:	Ms. Anne Currey
Organisation:	Naturally Resourceful Pty Ltd PO Box 355 ALSTONVILLE NSW 2477
Phone:	(02) 6628 7079
Fax:	(02) 6628 7209
Email:	anne@naturallyresourceful.com.au
Objectives	The objectives of the communications strategy are to: · reach the audience who needs to know about or will use the CV’s outputs · ensure understanding and ownership of the CV and its activities by senior management and directors of participating organisations. A number of activities were identified as part of a process to develop a communications strategy for the cooperative venture. These activities were: researching the CV’s market, identifying the needs of the market that can be serviced by the CV, benchmarking to allow evaluation at a later date, and development of a limited number of strategic communications products.
Current Progress	Progress is as follows. Benchmarking. A small qualitative survey of nineteen people working with groups and individuals in agriculture and six senior managers was completed in November 2002 to gauge their awareness of the CV and of the concept of capacity building. Contact database. A contact database containing names of 340 people who have applied to be added to the Cooperative Venture email list has been developed.  Email newsletters. The first issue of the newsletter was emailed in February and another in June (it was planned that the second issue would be sent out in May, making the newsletter quarterly, however, two articles about projects were delayed and alternatives had to be sourced). Another edition is being prepared for emailing in September. Both editions of the newsletter are also on the VC website. Brochure. The CV brochure was printed in January and copies are available from RIRDC. A PDF of the brochure is also on the website. Other articles. An article about the CV appeared in the June issue of Innovate Australia, an email newsletter published on behalf of the R&D corporations. Symposium. A background paper outlining the format of the symposium and supporting senior policy workshops was developed for discussion at the June committee meeting. A possible venue (at Rutherglen Research Institute) was also visited and a list of people interested in being involved in organising the symposium collated.

Project Title	Capacity Building for Innovation in Rural Industries Cooperative Venture Project 1 - National Education/ Extension Evaluation
RIRDC Project No:	RRE-1A
Start Date:	31-Dec-01
Finish Date:	31-Dec-03
Researcher:	Dr. Jeff Coutts
Organisation:	Roberts Research and Evaluation Pty Ltd 32 Clive Crescent TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350
Phone:	0438 361 153
Email:	couttsjr@dingoblue.net.au
Objectives	· The man activities for Project A are to review current extension practice to identify what works and why and to compile that information on a data base that is freely accessible.
Current Progress	There are two other projects associated with Project A. They are: Project B: Fostering Involvement in rural industry and government extension; and Project C: Improving Institutional Support Arrangements for Rural Capacity Building. Together, these three projects have investigated the rural education environment from three different perspectives but all looking at what currently happens in extension and what could happen in the future.  Extension projects in Project A emerged to be one of four main types:  Programmed learning - where a defined body of knowledge is extended to learners through some form of direct contact such as seminars and workshops. A key success factor for this model is the use of an adult learning approach to delivery; Information access - where information is made accessible through information centres, and websites. Comprehensive, up to date and easily accessible information are key indicators of success; Group empowerment/capacity building - where a group of learners takes charge of their own learning and asks for what it needs for learning. Key success factors for this model are a facilitator for the group and the level of sharing and participation; and Technology development - where individuals collaborate to build some new form of technology or test current technology. Key success factors for projects using this model are the use of a facilitator and a farmer/producer who takes leadership role.  In Project A there are currently over 30 projects on the data base. These projects are analysed according to type, intended outcomes, industry and operating style. Their funders and providers have approved their public scrutiny through the RIRDC website. Another 60 projects await finalisation and approval. There are changes rural education environment that could impact on the current criteria of success of extension projects. These are changes such as Federal government policy on the employment of natural resource management facilitators who will now be community rather than government employed. In Queensland there is a move towards a combined government agency approach towards the research development and extension. The extension staff involved in these agencies are likely to alter the way they measure or are asked to measure success.


 
 

Project Title	Reconceptualising extension to deliver triple bottom line outcomes
RIRDC Project No:	UM-62A
Start Date:	7-Jan-02
Finish Date:	31-Aug-03
Researcher:	Dr. Ruth Beilin
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne Institute of Land and Food Resources UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE VIC 3010
Phone:	(03) 8344 3314
Fax:	(03) 9250 6995
Email:	rbeilin@unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	· Outcomes of the proposed research include: a diagnostic framework, developed from literature analysis and experiential data, that can inform extension practice within production landscapes; a WWW page report of findings tied to the RIRDC initiative, including a (secondary data) case study application of the framework; rural industries more aware of and able to design programs to deliver appropriate triple bottom line outcomes.
Current Progress	A comprehensive literature review exploring the rhetoric of ‘triple bottom line’ (TBL) and its various applications in extension and other sectors (local government, business and commodity industries) has been completed. A preliminary diagnostic framework has been developed as a tool for making the complexity of the ‘everyday’ landscape context in which extension operates explicit, in order to inform a reconceptualised process of extension that reinforces sustainable TBL outcomes. This framework has been ‘tested’ in a number of stakeholder fora, including: ‘The social dimensions of the triple bottom line’ Bureau of Rural Science (BRS) forum, Canberra; a progress-to-date presentation to the Cooperative Venture, Canberra; 10th Agri Food Conference in New Zealand; and in a lecture for the Human Dimensions of Resource Management unit, Institute of Land and Food Resources, University of Melbourne. The findings have also been presented in three refereed papers and to existing research networks.  The second part of the initial grant is a case study (based on secondary data) of extension practice relating to water management in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria. It examines documented extension projects, and will provide insight into how extension could be modified when the diagnostic framework is applied; and identify opportunities for change so that extension can better contribute to improved water management. At the conclusion of this section the framework will be ready for ‘testing’ in current commodity or other resource management projects.


 
 

Project Title	Creating inspiration - how visual and performing arts shape environmental behaviour
RIRDC Project No:	UNE-85A
Start Date:	7-Jan-02
Finish Date:	7-Jan-05
Researcher:	Dr. Nick Reid
Organisation:	University of New England Ecosystem Mangement School of Rural Science and Natural Resources ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone:	(02) 6773 2759
Fax:	(02) 6773 2769
Email:	nreid@metz.une.edu.au
Objectives	· Review of overseas experience to investigate how the arts are use din shaping perceptions and behaviour towards the environment internationally. · Use of a series of events that incorporate the arts and environmental repair to evaluate the role of the arts in changing people behaviour towards the environment. · Multi-media kit and training package for extension agents, community based organisations and R&D practitioners that helps them incorporate the arts into their extension.
Current Progress	This RIRDC funded project is part of a larger project of the same name funded by Land and Water Australia. The overall project is investigating how the arts are used in shaping perceptions towards the environment in Australia with a view of providing policy and procedural recommendations for extension and environmental education programs. The project is based on interviews with arts practitioners, land managers, and environmental exemplars, and a detailed examination of several case studies where the arts have been used to influence environmental behaviour. These include art exhibitions, concerts, and major community events. The RIRDC is funding a review of how the arts are used in shaping perceptions and behaviour towards the environment internationally (to take place in 2004); the production of a multi-media kit and training package for extension agents, community-based organisations and R&D practitioners that helps them to incorporate the arts into their extension (to take place in 2005); and the study of a series of events that incorporate the arts and environmental repair to evaluate the role of the arts in changing people’s behaviour towards the environment. Originally five case studies were to be examined. This has been increased to about eight, all of which have either taken place or are to do so in the next 12 months. Analysis has commenced on those that have been completed.