Whenua Whakapakari Tikanga: Cultivating Sustainability in Aotearoa's Farmland

 Aim

This study aims to explore the development of regenerative freshwater farm plans aimed at promoting environmental sustainability within pastoral agriculture farms in New Zealand. These plans will be designed to incorporate legislative frameworks, regenerative design principles, freshwater farm plans, and business strategies. The objective is to refine existing guidelines for creating freshwater farm plans to effectively integrate these elements. Special attention will be given to understanding their integration, practical implementation, and the challenges faced by small to medium-sized agricultural businesses. The study will particularly focus on enhancing soil health management, implementing water management strategies, and promoting biodiversity conservation within the context of these farm plans.

 Methodology

The methodology employed in this thesis adopts a systematic approach to investigate the development of regenerative freshwater farm plans within pastoral agriculture farms in New Zealand. The study progresses through distinct phases, beginning with a comprehensive literature review to inform the design of a structured survey questionnaire, which serves as the primary data collection tool.

Literature Review:

The literature review phase involves an exhaustive search of peer-reviewed articles, reports, and policy documents related to legislative frameworks, regenerative design principles, freshwater farm plans, and associated business strategies. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar are systematically queried using predefined search terms. Key findings, theories, and empirical evidence are synthesized to establish a theoretical framework and contextual understanding of the subject matter.

Questionnaire Design:

Drawing from insights derived during the literature review, the questionnaire design phase focuses on creating a robust instrument for data collection. The structured survey questionnaire is meticulously crafted to capture key themes, concepts, and research questions identified in the literature. It comprises a balanced mix of closed-ended questions for quantitative data and open-ended questions for qualitative insights. Each section of the questionnaire is aligned with the research objectives, covering topics such as soil health management, water management strategies, biodiversity conservation, and regulatory frameworks.

Thematic Analysis of Survey Responses:

The thematic analysis of survey responses is integral to achieving the study's aim by providing in-depth insights into experts' perspectives on regenerative freshwater farm plans. By systematically analyzing qualitative data, this approach uncovers recurring themes, patterns, and insights that inform the development and implementation of sustainable farming practices. Through rigorous coding and categorization, the analysis highlights key areas of focus such as soil health management, water management strategies, and biodiversity conservation within the context of regenerative farm plans. This method facilitates a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and opportunities faced by agricultural businesses in integrating sustainability principles into their operations.

Delphi Technique Iterations:

The Delphi technique complements the thematic analysis by facilitating expert consensus on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities related to regenerative freshwater farm plans. By engaging a panel of experts in iterative rounds of surveys, this method synthesizes diverse viewpoints to identify common ground and strategic priorities. The iterative nature of the Delphi technique allows for the refinement of responses and the convergence towards collective agreement on critical issues. Through this process, the Delphi technique provides valuable insights into the feasible pathways for implementing and optimizing regenerative farm plans within the agricultural sector, thereby guiding strategic decision-making and policy formulation.

Comparative Analysis with Literature Review:

The comparative analysis enriches the study's aim by contextualizing survey findings within the existing scholarly literature on sustainable farming practices. By juxtaposing empirical data with theoretical insights, this analysis elucidates areas of convergence, discrepancy, or innovation between expert opinions and established knowledge. Through systematic comparison and contrast, the researcher gains a holistic understanding of industry dynamics and strategic implications. This analysis not only validates the survey results but also contributes to the advancement of theoretical frameworks and practical guidelines for promoting environmental sustainability in pastoral agriculture farms.

PESTEL Analysis and SWOT Analysis:

The PESTEL analysis systematically evaluates external factors shaping regenerative freshwater farm plan development, aligning with the study's aim of promoting environmental sustainability within pastoral agriculture farms in New Zealand. This analysis assesses political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental, and legal factors influencing the agricultural industry landscape. By examining the impact of these macro-environmental factors, the PESTEL analysis provides insights into the opportunities and threats faced by agricultural businesses in implementing sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, it highlights legislative frameworks, market dynamics, societal trends, technological advancements, environmental concerns, and legal regulations that inform the strategic planning and decision-making process.

Concurrently, the SWOT analysis delves into internal factors pertinent to regenerative farm plan development, offering a deeper understanding of the study's aim. This analysis evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by agricultural businesses in adopting sustainable practices. By assessing internal capabilities and external challenges, the SWOT analysis identifies areas where the organization can capitalize on its strengths and opportunities while mitigating weaknesses and threats. Specifically, it examines the integration of regenerative design principles, business strategies, soil health management, water management strategies, and biodiversity conservation efforts within the context of freshwater farm plans. This analysis guides stakeholders in leveraging resources effectively, fostering innovation, and addressing critical challenges to enhance sustainability outcomes in pastoral agriculture farms.