Effectiveness of Best Practice Management Guides - Literature Review. Final Report to: Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries

Abstract

Best practice management (BPM) guides are a commonly used form of extension to improve private landholder management of invasive pest species in Australia. However, relatively little is known about the quantifiable benefits of these guides as a standalone extension technique. Extension is effective in delivering messages to target audiences, and fostering adoption of best management practices. However, none of the literature quantifies the impact of extension programs on practice change. While BPM guides are amongst the most highly regarded written information sources on pest species management amongst landholders, face to face approaches are more highly regarded. Ideally then, BPM guides can play an important role in supporting these interpersonal forms of extension as part of an integrated and complementary extension strategy which accounts for diversity of opinions, experiences, capabilities and interest amongst target audiences, and increases the potential for success. Preparing a successful BPM guide will commence with an assessment of the actual need for extension. The guide development process will involve a 'continuum' of information gathering and consultation to ensure it is as relevant as possible to the target audience.