A qualitative approach to improve the effectiveness of products of research findings for users: a case study of the Analytical Irrigation Model

Abstract

The widespread adoption of research findings by the farming community has traditionally been challenging. Addressing this challenge is a priority as the products of research often aid and underpin the implementation of environmental objectives to ensure that natural resources are used in a sustainable manner. One approach to tackling this challenge is to develop products that are tailored to meet the needs of the users. The Analytical Irrigation Model (AIM, a software tool) was developed with the intention of creating a field-tool to assist farmers to improve their management of border-check irrigation. Using AIM as a case study, this paper demonstrates the value of using a qualitative approach in assessing potential users of research findings, and understanding their requirements. While developing AIM, anecdotal feedback suggested that widespread adoption of the envisaged research products, namely a field-tool, was unlikely. The qualitative study found that service providers to the dairy industry were likely to be the primary users of products of the AIM research. From conducting this qualitative study, service providers identified 4 types of research products that would suit their needs. Incorporating their perspectives enabled the development of products that were more likely to be adopted and consequently increased the effective targeting of the AIM research findings.