When
Wednesday 5th Feb, 12:00 pm

Where
Room B2

Hashtag
#W13

Category
Insight

Presenter
Sarah Cole

Abstract

The issue of climate change can be contentious for Australian farmers. Adapting will likely require incremental and transformative change using knowledge from new research or innovative practices.

Diffusing innovations, Rogers asserts (2003), is a complex communication process. Trusted face-to-face information sources who share similar attitudes and values can be a critical and accelerating factor when people are learning about something new.

A strong body of evidence regarding technology transfer in forestry workers also supports this concept. An example of a program that relies on strong peer-to-peer learning is the Climate Champion program. The program aims to help farmers manage increasing climate risk in Australia through better on-farm decisions, and the 37 participants demonstrate real-life examples of these strategies. Chosen (in part) as good communicators in their regions and industries, they particularly communicate with other producers about these issues.

This Masters research case study explores how trust in Climate Champion participants’ communication contributes to the program’s objectives, how Climate Champion participants create trust, and how trust can contribute to learning in those farmer networks. With added insights into how people convey climate risk knowledge, we may be able to identify people who will likely be trusted communicators in their networks.