Asking the hard questions – has our extension approach had impact on Integrated Pest Management implementation?

Critical reflection is integral to the action learning cycle (Kolb 1984) which underpins much present day extension theory. How often, however, do extension programs conduct an impact analysis to formally evaluate achievements against desired outcomes and so gain insights into the effectiveness of different extension strategies used? In 2008, two Integrated Pest Management (IPM) project teams working in the Queensland vegetable industry commissioned an external consultancy to evaluate project impact. By subcontracting independent evaluators, the project teams hoped to improve the quality and rigor of data obtained, make more efficient use of time and resources, and provide a more objective measure of how to improve future IPM project work. Needs analyses conducted at the start of both projects helped shape the extension approach for achieving project objectives. Both projects included a research component.