Beyond AcCLIMATise – Developing a knowledge to action system for climate adaptation
David Beard, Department of Agriculture and Food WA March 2009
Acknowledgements
Thanks to all those members of the AcCLIMATise and Climate and Agriculture System teams and all the participating farmers who helped to lay the foundations for this presentation, and to DAFWA and others for their funding support. Special thanks also to Glynn Ward and the other members of the DAFWA Viticulture team.
Key points
AcCLIMATise project Why, what and how Achievements Learnings What a new system might look like
Why AcCLIMATise?
Climate variability biggest factor impacting on production Farm earnings highly sensitive to production But many farmers were not using available information and tools
All farmers manage climate risk!
What did they currently do? How did they do it? What was stopping them doing it better? How could we assist them to do it better?
AcCLIMATise
Objectives benchmark WA grainbelt farmers current knowledge, attitudes, skills, aspirations and practices from a climate risk management perspective develop and deliver an integrated package of information, tools and training targeting their needs
Needs analysis
50% of farmers and over a third of advisors did not use historical or forecast climate information Most farmers and two thirds of advisors did not use climate risk decision support tools Of those farmers using climate information, less than 30% used it to make management decisions
Needs analysis
Sowing weather, potential yield, stored soil moisture important ☺ Managed nutrients based on target yield or yield potential ☺ Comfortable with applying less N “up front” and adding more as season unfolds ☺ Link stored soil moisture - potential yield ☺ Link potential yield - climate outlooks Livestock enterprises use
Needs analysis
Lessons Three key factors influencing adoption accuracy and timeliness of climate information way in which this information is communicated farmer skills in its interpretation and application
AcCLIMATise
Objectives benchmark WA grainbelt farmers current knowledge, attitudes, skills, aspirations and practices (KASAP) from a climate risk management perspective develop and deliver an integrated package of information, tools and training targeting their needs
Trialling decision support tools
Aim –to trial tools 53 trial sites in the 2006 and 2007 cropping seasons Results Successful evaluation Many farmers valued tools, other didn’t Lack of confidence in rainfall predictions Seasonal outlook ranked low vs other factors Tools useful in a range of circumstances
Trialling decision support tools
Lessons Close interaction project officers - farmers Conversations with lead innovators Integration of climate forecasts Tailoring of climate information Value of interpretive service Enhanced capacity of project personnel
Workshop activity
Aim – better knowledge, better management 24 workshops, 400 plus participants Results Increased knowledge & understanding Explicit linking knowledge – decision making Improved risk management capacity, tools valued, intent to use Research ideas and priorities
Workshop activity
Lessons Needs based research important, use of pilots Localisation of content Benefits of “workshopping” Utilisation of qualified people for delivery Driven by “your local bloke”, support materials The engagement of agribusiness/consultants Continuous improvement
Information products
Aim - provide timely, understandable information Regular “Bulletin”, AgMemo articles, Climate Profiles, workshop booklets Results Bulletins/AgMemo articles valued Workshop booklet well received
Information products
Lessons Accuracy, timeliness Reflect farmers needs in content, language, context and delivery Locally based interpretive/integrating service important.
Consultant/advisor
Aim - ensure advisors talking knowledgeably and consistently Results Participant advisors increased knowledge Proactive in promoting project Enhanced value of project activities Lessons Advisory services have an important role to play Role in packaging/integration with other farming risks Need to have the skills
People and relationships
Project team members largely regionally based Trial activity, farmer/farmer group liaison, workshop delivery, field days, information Lessons Value of the role Bridged the gap between producers and users Interpretive, integrative role Focus on solutions rather than products Development of skills
Other players
But AcCLIMATise team not the only players! Other DAFWA staff Independent consultants and agribusiness Regional NRM bodies Farmer groups CSIRO, Universities Bureau of Meteorology An opportunity to develop an integrated approach?
What are we trying to achieve?
Reduce vulnerability through increased adaptive capacity “The ability of a system to respond to climate change (including climate variability and extremes), to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, and to cope with the consequences” (IPCC) Adaptations – extensions/intensifications of risk management Farmers experience climate change through seasonal variability Managing seasonal risk → managing climate change
How might we approach it?
Build on learnings from AcCLIMATise Learn from theoretical and empirical frameworks Adoption theory and practicea) Knowledge to action systemsb) Understand and reflect user needs – build them in! Trial, evaluate then implement Think long term
Pannell, D. J., G. R. Marshall, et al. (2006). "Understanding and promoting adoption of conservation practices by rural landholders." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46(11): 1407-1424. Also see www.ruralpracticechange.org
b) a)
Cash, D. and J. Buizer (2005). Knowledge-action systems for seasonal to interannual climate forecasting: summary of a workshop, report to the Roundtable on Science and Technology for Sustainability, Policy and Global Affairs, The National Acadamies Press, Washington, D.C
“Pathways to adaptation”
Where to from here?
Develop partnerships, particularly boundary Finalise funding eg DAFF Australia’s farming future climate change research program Caring for our Country Establish and understand user needs