Abstract

BOTHA, C.A.J.; ROTH, H.  and  BROWN, M.. Farmers' perceptual, emotional and behavioural responses to environmental policy changes. S Afr. Jnl. Agric. Ext. [online]. 2013, vol.41, n.1, pp.01-10. ISSN 2413-3221.

Environmental policies purposefully encourage environmental protection by redirecting human decision-making and activities. Achieving the right human responses to environmental policy is therefore critically important. This paper discusses the regulatory framework and pastoral farmers' adaptation to a new regulation, consisting of rules, designed to protect the pristine waters of Lake Taupo from land based non-point source nitrogen emissions. The lake is an internationally recognised treasure and New Zealand icon, however, its water quality has been deteriorating over decades because of rising nitrogen levels, 37% of which comes from pastoral farming activities in the catchment. The paper discusses agricultural extension in the context of emotional, perceptual and behavioural change.

Keywords : farmer adaptation; policy impact; water quality; farming practices; extension.

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