The reasons for uptake of irrigation scheme water are relatively un-researched in Canterbury of New Zealand, and while there are a number of theories why scheme water is not adopted by farmers, it is not well documented.
This pilot study of nine farmers across mid and central Canterbury was set up to make an initial insight into the reasons why farmers do and do not adopt irrigation from scheme supply in attempt to provide some information to developing irrigation schemes to how they might better serve the needs of the farming and wider community to ensure a more successful scheme.
Of the irrigated and non-irrigated farmers interviewed, the prominent motivations for the adoption of scheme water are financial and lifestyle driven.
Mark Everest
