Articles
AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO IRRIGATION EXTENSION IN HORTICULTURE
Article number
672_20
Pages
177 – 183
Language
English
Abstract
We believe five categories of factors determine the adoption of irrigation systems and are the keys to designing relevant, effective and innovative irrigation extension programs amongst horticulturalists.
We identified these factors in our work on the adoption of irrigation systems in stone and pome fruit, viticulture and vegetables across Australia.
The five categories of factors are: soil type and topography; crop quality; saving time; saving water and crop yield.
These categories provide a generic framework for understanding the adoption of irrigation systems by horticulturalists.
Using this framework we have been able to assist extension agencies to redesign extension programs to better meet the needs of growers.
We have also used this framework to illustrate growers choices and to explain why some extension programs have not worked as well as expected.
We identified these factors in our work on the adoption of irrigation systems in stone and pome fruit, viticulture and vegetables across Australia.
The five categories of factors are: soil type and topography; crop quality; saving time; saving water and crop yield.
These categories provide a generic framework for understanding the adoption of irrigation systems by horticulturalists.
Using this framework we have been able to assist extension agencies to redesign extension programs to better meet the needs of growers.
We have also used this framework to illustrate growers choices and to explain why some extension programs have not worked as well as expected.
Authors
G. Kaine, D. Beswell
Keywords
irrigation extensions, consumer behaviour
Online Articles (48)