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A mixed methodology framework for the assessment of the Voluntary Initiative
Author(s) -
Garrod Guy D,
Garratt James A,
Kennedy Angela,
Willis Ken G
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.1315
Subject(s) - government (linguistics) , agriculture , focus group , deliverable , scope (computer science) , environmental planning , business , political science , environmental resource management , computer science , marketing , economics , management , geography , philosophy , linguistics , archaeology , programming language
Abstract The Voluntary Initiative (VI) is a UK programme of measures aimed at reducing the adverse effects of pesticides on the environment. It was initiated in 2001 and will be evaluated during 2006 following a five‐year trial period. To assess such a complex scheme, a mixed methodology approach is appropriate, encompassing the assessment of objective deliverables and issues raised by the farming community. A series of focus groups examined the perceptions of the VI by the farming community. Farmer attitudes to the VI appeared to be influenced by the belief that the UK government will, eventually, introduce some form of pesticide tax regardless of the outcome of the VI. Most farmers expressed that they already followed the principles of the VI. It was also evident that the scheme may become more acceptable and better understood as it becomes incorporated into existing farm assurance schemes. This paper proposes a framework for evaluation of the VI that takes into account these perceptions of the VI by the farming community. Based on the analysis of available data, key questions are identified that should be addressed within the final evaluation. These key questions cover the general themes of completion of VI targets and projects, uptake of the VI, environmental impact of the VI and economic implications. To answer the questions, four methods are proposed: a review of literature, a survey of farmers, questions to agencies and environmental modelling. © Crown copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.