Pictured is Southern Cross University's Amanda Scott (right) delivering a recent workshop at Wudinna to support young Eyre Peninsula farmers. The project is funded by the Networks to Build Drought Resilience Program, part of the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Amanda is pictured with Amy Wright, Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator with AIR EP, a partner in the project.
Amanda recently completed the third and final workshop with young farmers and the new 'network mapping' tool was used to provide a detailed understanding of the EP young landholders' knowledge network.
The program focuses on strengthening social connectedness, building social capital, and funding transformative local initiatives that will enable agricultural communities to be more prepared for the impacts of drought. During the workshop, local champions shared key knowledge with young landholders to enhance networking opportunities around drought-resilient practices.
The project was driven by findings from Soils CRC research that found young farmers in the Eyre Peninsula region they needed a stronger network of support to become drought resilient.
The program draws on existing research that's been undertaken by Southern Cross University's Dr. Hanabeth Luke through the Soil CRC, with a deep understanding of the local landscape. Dr Luke's research found there was a significant need to assist young farmers in the Eyre Peninsula build stronger support networks.