- Objective Title: Definition of living standards
- Objective Title:Stakeholder knowledge and implementation of sustainable farming practices (SFPs)
- Objective Title:Community participation and sustainable farming practices (SFPs) adoption
- Objective Title:Facilitating further adoption of SFPs
- Objective Title:Multistake holder group process
- Objective Title:Evaluate landuse change
8.7- Social Research
8.7.1
| Objective Title: Definition of living standards Research Leader: Dr M Gilling Institution:Business & Economic Research Ltd |
A definition of what constitutes living standards and sustainability needs to be developed through participatory research methods, i.e. in conjunction with stakeholders in the rural sector. A number of core components have been identified through other studies, e.g. housing, health, education, transport, but these need to be defined at grass roots level, and at other levels such as local, regional and national, in order for comparisons to be made. These need to be developed into concepts of rural sustainability, identifying the living standards necessary both to sustain rural NZ in comparison to urban NZ, and for specific rural needs. Conceptualisation and development of these will need to be both rigorous and ‘holistic’ in order to enable measures to be constructed which are appropriate, valid, owned, and easily understood. A Maori research component is integral to this study.
8.7.2
| Objective Title:Stakeholder knowledge and implementation of sustainable farming practices (SFPs) Research Leader: Ms R Liepins’ Institution:University of Otago |
Aim:To identify the varying contributions made by men and women in adopting Sustainable Farming Practices (SFPs) on farm units producing for the organic food sector, by:
- the process by which stakeholders learn about SFPs;
- stakeholders’ access to information about SFPs; and
- stakeholders’ participation in decision making and implementation of SFPs on organic farms.
Methods of intensive interviewing, scenario mapping and ‘decision tree modelling’ techniques will be employed across a cohort of 40 organic farm units to investigate the differences in men’s and women’s receptiveness to, and adoption of, SFPs. This will add an important dimension to the second goal of the PGSF programme, namely, ‘identifying factors working for and against further development of organic exporting’.
8.7.3
| Objective Title:Community participation and sustainable farming practices (SFPs) adoption Research Leader: Ms R Liepins’ Institution:University of Otago |
Aim:To identify degree of community participation in SFP adoption, by:
- levels of stakeholders’ access to community definitions of what are legitimate and economically viable SFPs; and
- the participation of different stakeholders’ in community and industry decision making processes surrounding the adoption and implementation of SFPs.
For the purpose of this objective, ‘community’ is defined as both a signifier of scale and an arena of local community and industry participation and interaction. Focus group sessions, network analysis, case interviews and discourse mappingwill be employed across the groups already identified as ‘in tension’ in the PGSF programme. Analysis of these tensions will add another important dimension to the second PGSF programme goal.
8.7.4
| Objective Title:Facilitating further adoption of SFPs Research Leader: Dr H Campbell Institution:University of Otago |
Aim:To enhance community participation on the adoption of SFPs in the Canterbury region by:
- a community reporting seminar for stakeholders involved in both the proposed programme and that of the PGSF study;
- (via seminar responses) the farm and community barriers to optimum uptake of SFPs; and
- community proposals for strategic action plans to address these barriers.
A community reporting seminar will be held in May 1997 at which time a collation of farm and community barriers would be made and strategic community action plans initiated.
8.7.5
| Objective Title:Multistake holder group process Research Leader: Ms C Donaldson/John Kape Institution:Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research NZ Ltd |
The multi stakeholder approach has a future focus, with issues being dealt with in a ‘bigger picture’ context. The multi stakeholder group (and other in the area) will be offered a mechanism for identifying their collective vision for thefuture; will be facilitated through a process of identifying needs to promote the vision; and then a process of identifying information gaps. The vision will be used to determine broad directions and goals; from these goals objectives can be set, and actions identified, that constitute a strategy for achieving the vision.
The diverse interest in a case study area will require sensitive facilitation to ensure the participation of key stakeholders, including iwi, and to create involvement and ownership of the process by the community. A trial community/catchment will be selected in co-operation with key local stakeholders. The researchers will work with key stakeholders to create a supportive and active learning environment that builds on existing qualitative knowledge for sustainable land management, and also incorporates local and indigenous knowledge.
8.7.6
| Objective Title:Evaluate landuse change Research Leader: Dr W Smith Institution:University of Auckland |
This study will examine the economic, ecological and social linkages between the vision developed by the community in 8.75 and current or anticipated changes in land use. Identifying and examining those linkages will allow a better understanding of sustainable development/land use and the development of indicators of rural development within the context of community needs. It will also enable a better understanding of factors that motivate stakeholders to participate in the strategy development and implementation.
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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