Dunn, A.M.

This article reports a survey of farmers in Young Shire, New South Wales, Australia, in which their perceptions of soil salting on their land and some views on its wider incidence and importance were explored. The survey (involving questionnaires and interviews) found that many farmers had a salinity problem and were acquainted with its symptoms and processes. This has implications for extension and group activity aimed at the salinity problem. these implications and some innovative group extension methods are discussed.

Extension workers often ask Who should we target? This paper argues that different questions should be asked which elicit new extension paradigms and problem improvement methodologies to help prepare them for changing roles in the future. It is argued that new approaches are required to address complex issues and conflicting goals. Thus, it asks What issue should we target now? Approaches to complex issues are explored through a systems approach which looks beyond biological and physical aspects to socio-economic, political and environmental questions.