Part II:Current Theory and Practice, And a Recommended Direction for Sustainable Development Extension
9. Introduction to Part II
Agriculture is important to the New Zealand economy and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. Support for the ongoing maintenance and development of this sector comes partly in the form of extension processes, which get information from science research out to farmers and land managers around the country. Much extension over recent decades has been directed at improving farm production. However, it is becoming more accepted that the sustainability of farming operations relies not just on production, but also on environmental health and community well-being. Thus sustainable development extension must also address the complex issues of environmental management as well as developing community capacity to look at these issues in the farming context.
Models of extension have been developed to incorporate these dimensions. For example, Greer and Greer (1996) discuss a series of models of extension ranging from the diffusion model, through to the interdependency approach that emphasises learning and the involvement of different stakeholders in the design of research, information needs and new technologies. This model has the elements of a multi-stakeholder approach to problem solving and the development of community capacity to take up the new ideas that emerge from the interaction of the different groups.
9.1 Methods
Emerging extension theory, collaborative learning theory and the case study experiences of the researchers were all used to identify the aims of, and need for, sustainable development extension. The researchers' case study experiences include the Hieracium Management Programme (Funded by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST)), Christchurch City Council Target Zero waste minimisation programme, and Animal Health Board programmes to address Tuberculosis vector control. These programmes aimed to enhance learning and behaviour change for sustainable development outcomes in both rural and urban contexts.
Current extension practices were reviewed using semi-structured interviews and considerable research experience in the field. The researchers spoke to a range of people working within the wider extension system including private consultants, regional council staff, science leaders, land managers, MAF staff and MfE staff. This review concentrates mainly on environmental extension /education initiatives with some discussion of production- oriented practice in the private sector. It also looks at the role of agencies such as regional councils, and the Animal Health Board and at the relationships between private and public sector involvement in these extension initiatives.
The information gathered in conjunction with current theory was used to build a model for sustainable development extension in New Zealand. The model was then validated and refined through a workshop involving representatives from MAF, MfE, local and regional government. This work addressed new skills, roles, players, research challenges, and national, regional and local agency/government participation. Particular attention was paid to the potential for central government involvement.
Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
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