Key influences on the adoption of improved land management practice in rural Australia: The role of attitudes, values and situation

The importance of farmers' values and attributes in their decisions to adopt more sustainable land management practice is receiving greater attention. In this paper we detail research undertaken in two dryland farming regions of central New South Wales, Australia. The research demonstrates the role and influence of landholder attributes and stated environmental values on land management practice in the context of prolonged drought conditions. Two studies were conducted with dryland agriculture farmers - a thematic analysis of 61 interviews, and regression modelling based on a survey of 300 land managers. Several key factors contributing to the adoption of sustainable management practice were identified. Findings suggest that farmers' current enterprise focus is vital in determining receptivity to new farming techniques and incentive programs provided by natural resource management authorities. Results also suggest that a focus on biospheric values and a sense of being able to control one's destiny are significant precursors to engaging in sustainable land management practice. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is used to illustrate barriers to the adoption of recommended land management practice in times of environmental stress and hardship.