Facilitated learning and adaptive systems for building business sustainability: the farm business resilience program for WA farmers

Abstract

Farming businesses are expected to be adversely affected by climate change and have low levels of training. Facilitated learning and adaptive systems training methods for these small and micro businesses were used in the Farm Business Resilience (FBR) Program in 2010 and 2011 to build capacity for business sustainability. In five modular workshops, farmers identified key environmental, social, financial and production challenges with the assistance of trained facilitators. They then had an opportunity to 'self-discover' potential 'solutions' and write strategic plans. Grants were available to assist implementation of priority activities. Results presented relate to the impact of the program, particularly changes in participant attitude, behaviour and expected future behaviour. Conclusions are made about the key characteristics of the process.