Mark Brindal - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Mark Brindal

ATF Press eBooks, Oct 1, 2012

Mitigation and adaptation strategies for global change, Feb 1, 2024

Precision Agriculture, Sep 20, 2023

Sustainable Production and Consumption, 2021

Abstract In light of growing social and transnational activism against palm oil, governmental, no... more Abstract In light of growing social and transnational activism against palm oil, governmental, non-government and private sector organizations have begun to advocate a package of sustainable management practices through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standard. Since its adoption involves voluntary compliance, understanding the financial costs and benefits is critical. This study reviews the existing literature to identify the financial outcomes associated with RSPO certification. Seventeen analyses qualified. However, only three were considered robust: two revealed positive returns, one negative. While the quality of past research has limited our understanding of the profitability issue, it has provided insights into issues such as incentive and knowledge deficiencies. Comparative research using a standard data template and analytical method is recommended. Given that the standard modifies management practices and that business dynamics affect financial outcomes, it is concluded that research efforts will have to be better tailored for local management.

Journal of Global Fashion Marketing, Mar 14, 2018

Abstract Using a vote count analysis that synthesizes previous works, this study reviews the pivo... more Abstract Using a vote count analysis that synthesizes previous works, this study reviews the pivotal factors that lead to greater willingness to pay for sustainable apparel products. Previous work generally concurs that there is a desire for sustainable apparel, even when a price premium is required. Our findings clearly indicate that consumers, when making an actual purchase, are resistant to price premiums unless they perceive a tangible benefit equivalent to the premium paid. These benefits are various, but they can all be grouped as constituting “value.” However, that desire does not directly translate into purchasing action. We conclude that that desire is a form of theoretical rationality in the consumer’s mind. Even when value is added, the evidence indicates that the apparel will gain minimum acceptance unless the esthetic is also appealing.

international food research journal, 2016

Farm sustainability issues are diverse but interconnected and complex. Many organizations have be... more Farm sustainability issues are diverse but interconnected and complex. Many organizations have begun to promote packaged sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs). Some of these bundled SAPs (i.e. organic agriculture and integrated pest management) have long been employed by farmers, and studied by scientists seeking to understand their response to these alternative agricultural approaches. This paper reviews and synthesizes recent research in this area. It identifies key explanatory factors, which frequently lead to the adoption of bundled SAPs. Vote count analysis reveals that variables implying economic motivation and facilitation regularly explain farmers' behaviour. In addition, a new finding emerged, in which factors inferring higher learning and superior management capacity provided further indicators to adoption. In particular, the training that provided by non-governmental organizations and rural institutions complements change agents (i.e. public extension services). While this finding is novel, more research is required to generate better understanding of farmer reaction to bundled SAPs, particularly dynamic ones (i.e. private standards) in which farm business sustainability depends upon good agricultural practices being implemented.

Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2017

Developing countries have seriously low adoption rates of sustainable agricultural practices (SAP... more Developing countries have seriously low adoption rates of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) and there is a need to understand why. This paper reviews 31 past studies focusing on the factors influencing the adoption of SAPs. Using a vote count methodology, SAPs adoption is revealed as a complex set of behaviors which depend on a range of socioeconomic , agroecological, institutional, informational, psychological factors and perceived attributes. Identified within these six dimensions, male farmers, higher educational attainment levels, bigger farm size, steeper farms, and the presence of land right security emerge as common factors which often lead to adopt SAPs. These factors imply the general importance of economic motivations in facilitating sustainable farm management. In particular, gender, farm topography, and land tenure have a special role in the context of developing countries. These common factors, and other converged factors, lend support to drawing general policymaking guidelines by identifying the characteristics of potential adopters, promotion strategies, and effective communication channels. For effective local management, future research should consider a range of factors from multiple categories and identify the relative importance of statistically significant ones.

The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension

Social Science Research Network, 2022

Drawing on the experience of greater metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, the paper... more Drawing on the experience of greater metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, the paper points to the links and gaps between science and public policy. The paper explores urban stormwater management lessons emerging from a ten-year, prolonged dry period that impacted the integrity of urban forests in the City of Adelaide. Among the questions addressed: will stormwater remain, as its historic and institutional settings suggest, a liability or can it become an asset? Who owns stormwater resources and to whom is its management vested? The paper examines these issues with consideration to the dangers of continuing to use urban forestry management practices that are not informed by science. The study concludes that a more integrated approach to urban water management can maintain the integrity of urban forests in ways that potentially enhance social amenities and economic efficiency.

The Journal of Social Sciences Research, 2018

System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an innovative approach to increase rice production. This ... more System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an innovative approach to increase rice production. This study examines the perceived importance and performance of six system of rice intensification (SRI) attributes by adopters and dis-adopters in Indonesia. The six attributes identified were ‘profit’, ‘risk’ ‘effort’, ‘compatibility’, ‘assurance’, and ‘simplicity’. The importance-performance analysis revealed that ‘profit’ was the primary attribute. It was followed by ‘risk’ and ‘effort’. However, their below average performance caused them to fall into the ‘concentrate here’ quadrant. These major weaknesses require immediate attention for an improvement in the uptake of SRI to occur. Given that local rice systems are competitive, SRI is more likely to be adopted and continued in use when it clearly demonstrates a degree of profitability that sufficiently outweighs its costs, associated risks and efforts, and opportunity costs. Market-based (i.e. access to high value market/returns) soluti...

Forum for Development Studies

Open Agriculture

This article argues that the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) future promotion should be base... more This article argues that the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) future promotion should be based on the potential users’ good understanding of sustainable agriculture. A qualitative approach was used to examine the perceptions of SRI attributes among Indonesian rice farmers, which is built upon the developing theory of diffusion of innovation. Through focus group discussions in three Indonesian provinces, compatibility, complexity, and relative advantage were identified as essential factors for SRI adoption. SRI was seen as incompatible with current farming practices, labour capacity, budget, and time available for additional labour inputs. SRI was seen as relatively complicated in terms of compost processing and application as well as mechanised agricultural technologies. As a result of the economic surplus provided by SRI rice, organised farmers may be able to obtain a higher price for SRI rice than non-organised farmers. Environmental and agronomic benefits were thought to have...

Precision Agriculture, 2021

The original version of the article contained a mistake in Table 1. It has been corrected in this... more The original version of the article contained a mistake in Table 1. It has been corrected in this correction. The correct version of the Table 1 is given below: The articles of Michels et al. (2020a) and (2020b) shown in the previously published version of Table 1 use different datasets rather than the same dataset as indicated by the note. The correct Table 1, reflecting a total of 19 studies (arising from 23 eligible articles) for the meta-analysis should appear as shown in the erratum. This correction does not affect the findings.

Sustainable Production and Consumption, 2021

Precision Agriculture, 2021

Using a literature pool spanning 23 years, this meta-analysis quantifies the effect of factors un... more Using a literature pool spanning 23 years, this meta-analysis quantifies the effect of factors underlying the adoption of precision agriculture. Unlike statistical significance, which demonstrates how likely adoption is due to chance, effect size indicates the importance of a factor to adoption. This meta-analysis finds that perceived profitability, consultants and use of a computer factors have a moderate effect. However, the findings should not be regarded as definitive because of issues of sample size and heterogeneity embedded in a number of the reference studies. This latter point is re-enforced by observation of other factors that had a negligible effect on adoption. Whether future studies will provide meaningful policy implications depend on a careful understanding and selection of factors, models, and statistical treatment in relation to decision-making paths and their context.

Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, 2013

Drawing on the experience of greater metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, the paper... more Drawing on the experience of greater metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, the paper points to the links and gaps between science and public policy. The paper explores urban stormwater management lessons emerging from a ten-year, prolonged dry period that impacted the integrity of urban forests in the City of Adelaide. Among the questions addressed: will stormwater remain, as its historic and institutional settings suggest, a liability or can it become an asset? Who owns stormwater resources and to whom is its management vested? The paper examines these issues with consideration to the dangers of continuing to use urban forestry management practices that are not informed by science. The study concludes that a more integrated approach to urban water management can maintain the integrity of urban forests in ways that potentially enhance social amenities and economic efficiency.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 2020

The adoption of sustainability standards is often viewed as a profitability conundrum by palm oil... more The adoption of sustainability standards is often viewed as a profitability conundrum by palm oil firms and their shareholders. This study examines whether, considering the inherent risk, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) sustainability initiative creates shareholder value. Based on the panel information of plantation firms listed on the Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchanges, RSPO‐certified firms earned mixed risk‐adjusted performance results relative to non‐RSPO and total palm oil portfolios. They also demonstrated a limited probability for upside growth. Additionally, it is possible that institutionalized sustainability standards do not address all the environmental, social and governance pillars that should constitute sustainable investing. Consequently, business operators and investors seeking improved performance should focus on the fundamentals whilst incorporating sustainability standards.

Sustainable Production and Consumption, 2020

ATF Press eBooks, Oct 1, 2012

Mitigation and adaptation strategies for global change, Feb 1, 2024

Precision Agriculture, Sep 20, 2023

Sustainable Production and Consumption, 2021

Abstract In light of growing social and transnational activism against palm oil, governmental, no... more Abstract In light of growing social and transnational activism against palm oil, governmental, non-government and private sector organizations have begun to advocate a package of sustainable management practices through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standard. Since its adoption involves voluntary compliance, understanding the financial costs and benefits is critical. This study reviews the existing literature to identify the financial outcomes associated with RSPO certification. Seventeen analyses qualified. However, only three were considered robust: two revealed positive returns, one negative. While the quality of past research has limited our understanding of the profitability issue, it has provided insights into issues such as incentive and knowledge deficiencies. Comparative research using a standard data template and analytical method is recommended. Given that the standard modifies management practices and that business dynamics affect financial outcomes, it is concluded that research efforts will have to be better tailored for local management.

Journal of Global Fashion Marketing, Mar 14, 2018

Abstract Using a vote count analysis that synthesizes previous works, this study reviews the pivo... more Abstract Using a vote count analysis that synthesizes previous works, this study reviews the pivotal factors that lead to greater willingness to pay for sustainable apparel products. Previous work generally concurs that there is a desire for sustainable apparel, even when a price premium is required. Our findings clearly indicate that consumers, when making an actual purchase, are resistant to price premiums unless they perceive a tangible benefit equivalent to the premium paid. These benefits are various, but they can all be grouped as constituting “value.” However, that desire does not directly translate into purchasing action. We conclude that that desire is a form of theoretical rationality in the consumer’s mind. Even when value is added, the evidence indicates that the apparel will gain minimum acceptance unless the esthetic is also appealing.

international food research journal, 2016

Farm sustainability issues are diverse but interconnected and complex. Many organizations have be... more Farm sustainability issues are diverse but interconnected and complex. Many organizations have begun to promote packaged sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs). Some of these bundled SAPs (i.e. organic agriculture and integrated pest management) have long been employed by farmers, and studied by scientists seeking to understand their response to these alternative agricultural approaches. This paper reviews and synthesizes recent research in this area. It identifies key explanatory factors, which frequently lead to the adoption of bundled SAPs. Vote count analysis reveals that variables implying economic motivation and facilitation regularly explain farmers' behaviour. In addition, a new finding emerged, in which factors inferring higher learning and superior management capacity provided further indicators to adoption. In particular, the training that provided by non-governmental organizations and rural institutions complements change agents (i.e. public extension services). While this finding is novel, more research is required to generate better understanding of farmer reaction to bundled SAPs, particularly dynamic ones (i.e. private standards) in which farm business sustainability depends upon good agricultural practices being implemented.

Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2017

Developing countries have seriously low adoption rates of sustainable agricultural practices (SAP... more Developing countries have seriously low adoption rates of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) and there is a need to understand why. This paper reviews 31 past studies focusing on the factors influencing the adoption of SAPs. Using a vote count methodology, SAPs adoption is revealed as a complex set of behaviors which depend on a range of socioeconomic , agroecological, institutional, informational, psychological factors and perceived attributes. Identified within these six dimensions, male farmers, higher educational attainment levels, bigger farm size, steeper farms, and the presence of land right security emerge as common factors which often lead to adopt SAPs. These factors imply the general importance of economic motivations in facilitating sustainable farm management. In particular, gender, farm topography, and land tenure have a special role in the context of developing countries. These common factors, and other converged factors, lend support to drawing general policymaking guidelines by identifying the characteristics of potential adopters, promotion strategies, and effective communication channels. For effective local management, future research should consider a range of factors from multiple categories and identify the relative importance of statistically significant ones.

The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension

Social Science Research Network, 2022

Drawing on the experience of greater metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, the paper... more Drawing on the experience of greater metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, the paper points to the links and gaps between science and public policy. The paper explores urban stormwater management lessons emerging from a ten-year, prolonged dry period that impacted the integrity of urban forests in the City of Adelaide. Among the questions addressed: will stormwater remain, as its historic and institutional settings suggest, a liability or can it become an asset? Who owns stormwater resources and to whom is its management vested? The paper examines these issues with consideration to the dangers of continuing to use urban forestry management practices that are not informed by science. The study concludes that a more integrated approach to urban water management can maintain the integrity of urban forests in ways that potentially enhance social amenities and economic efficiency.

The Journal of Social Sciences Research, 2018

System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an innovative approach to increase rice production. This ... more System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an innovative approach to increase rice production. This study examines the perceived importance and performance of six system of rice intensification (SRI) attributes by adopters and dis-adopters in Indonesia. The six attributes identified were ‘profit’, ‘risk’ ‘effort’, ‘compatibility’, ‘assurance’, and ‘simplicity’. The importance-performance analysis revealed that ‘profit’ was the primary attribute. It was followed by ‘risk’ and ‘effort’. However, their below average performance caused them to fall into the ‘concentrate here’ quadrant. These major weaknesses require immediate attention for an improvement in the uptake of SRI to occur. Given that local rice systems are competitive, SRI is more likely to be adopted and continued in use when it clearly demonstrates a degree of profitability that sufficiently outweighs its costs, associated risks and efforts, and opportunity costs. Market-based (i.e. access to high value market/returns) soluti...

Forum for Development Studies

Open Agriculture

This article argues that the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) future promotion should be base... more This article argues that the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) future promotion should be based on the potential users’ good understanding of sustainable agriculture. A qualitative approach was used to examine the perceptions of SRI attributes among Indonesian rice farmers, which is built upon the developing theory of diffusion of innovation. Through focus group discussions in three Indonesian provinces, compatibility, complexity, and relative advantage were identified as essential factors for SRI adoption. SRI was seen as incompatible with current farming practices, labour capacity, budget, and time available for additional labour inputs. SRI was seen as relatively complicated in terms of compost processing and application as well as mechanised agricultural technologies. As a result of the economic surplus provided by SRI rice, organised farmers may be able to obtain a higher price for SRI rice than non-organised farmers. Environmental and agronomic benefits were thought to have...

Precision Agriculture, 2021

The original version of the article contained a mistake in Table 1. It has been corrected in this... more The original version of the article contained a mistake in Table 1. It has been corrected in this correction. The correct version of the Table 1 is given below: The articles of Michels et al. (2020a) and (2020b) shown in the previously published version of Table 1 use different datasets rather than the same dataset as indicated by the note. The correct Table 1, reflecting a total of 19 studies (arising from 23 eligible articles) for the meta-analysis should appear as shown in the erratum. This correction does not affect the findings.

Sustainable Production and Consumption, 2021

Precision Agriculture, 2021

Using a literature pool spanning 23 years, this meta-analysis quantifies the effect of factors un... more Using a literature pool spanning 23 years, this meta-analysis quantifies the effect of factors underlying the adoption of precision agriculture. Unlike statistical significance, which demonstrates how likely adoption is due to chance, effect size indicates the importance of a factor to adoption. This meta-analysis finds that perceived profitability, consultants and use of a computer factors have a moderate effect. However, the findings should not be regarded as definitive because of issues of sample size and heterogeneity embedded in a number of the reference studies. This latter point is re-enforced by observation of other factors that had a negligible effect on adoption. Whether future studies will provide meaningful policy implications depend on a careful understanding and selection of factors, models, and statistical treatment in relation to decision-making paths and their context.

Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, 2013

Drawing on the experience of greater metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, the paper... more Drawing on the experience of greater metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, the paper points to the links and gaps between science and public policy. The paper explores urban stormwater management lessons emerging from a ten-year, prolonged dry period that impacted the integrity of urban forests in the City of Adelaide. Among the questions addressed: will stormwater remain, as its historic and institutional settings suggest, a liability or can it become an asset? Who owns stormwater resources and to whom is its management vested? The paper examines these issues with consideration to the dangers of continuing to use urban forestry management practices that are not informed by science. The study concludes that a more integrated approach to urban water management can maintain the integrity of urban forests in ways that potentially enhance social amenities and economic efficiency.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 2020

The adoption of sustainability standards is often viewed as a profitability conundrum by palm oil... more The adoption of sustainability standards is often viewed as a profitability conundrum by palm oil firms and their shareholders. This study examines whether, considering the inherent risk, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) sustainability initiative creates shareholder value. Based on the panel information of plantation firms listed on the Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchanges, RSPO‐certified firms earned mixed risk‐adjusted performance results relative to non‐RSPO and total palm oil portfolios. They also demonstrated a limited probability for upside growth. Additionally, it is possible that institutionalized sustainability standards do not address all the environmental, social and governance pillars that should constitute sustainable investing. Consequently, business operators and investors seeking improved performance should focus on the fundamentals whilst incorporating sustainability standards.

Sustainable Production and Consumption, 2020