Technology and information attributes for farm decisions -
management of endoparasites in New Zealand
I.S. Tarbotton, M.S. Paine and A. Heath
AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
2000 60: 30-35
Nine regional focus group meetings were held with farmers to
understand their views about endoparasite management. A software package
(Decision Explorer) was used to enable participants to express their
views on endoparasite management, collectively reason, debate and reach
agreement on a diagrammatic model. This model summarised how
participants viewed the cause and effect relationships for endoparasite
management. The three areas explored in the group meetings were general
management, regional differences and information gaps. Focus group
findings were used to guide the development of a decision tool. An
emphasis was placed on a planning approach following the farmer focus
group meetings. This planning would benefit from professional service
providers and parasitologists but development was guided by the farmer
knowledge elicited through the workshops. Making the decision tool
available in both hardcopy and electronic forms should enhance
accessibility. The authors suggest there is a need to seriously consider
the establishment of a National Advisory Committee for endoparasites.
One possible framework for such a committee already exists in the Dairy
Industry (the National Mastitis Advisory Committee). This committee
would contain representatives from the appropriate disciplines and be
responsible for leadership on endoparasite management.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
technology; participation; endoparasites; planning; social research.
Last Updated 12-07-2000
