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The role of networks in transforming Australian agriculture

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 12:46 authored by Dowd, A-M, Marshall, N, Aysha FlemingAysha Fleming, Jakku, E, Gaillard, E, Howden, M
It has been argued that major, purposeful action often resulting in significant changes in structure or function, known as transformational adaptation, is required in some areas of the agricultural sector to adapt to climate change and other driving factors. Yet there is limited understanding of what factors instigate and facilitate this scale of change. From a social science perspective, one key question remains: to what extent do agribusinesses need social capital to plan and implement large-scale, transformational adaptation options, compared with incremental-scale adaptations? Data drawn from Australian primary industries found that those undertaking transformational change had more far-reaching information and knowledge network connections yet less extensive social links to family, friends and colleagues. These findings demonstrate that strong access to knowledge and weak social ties increases the ability to facilitate action that differs from established social norms, hence empowering transformational adaptors to plan and implement novel strategies and options.

History

Publication title

Nature Climate Change

Volume

4

Issue

7

Pagination

558-563

ISSN

1758-678X

Department/School

Faculty of Law

Publisher

Nature Publishing Group

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 Macmillan Publishers, Limited

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Climate change adaptation measures (excl. ecosystem)

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