Learning and Capacity Building for Irrigators in Western Australia's East Wanneroo Area: A Theoretical Framework for Educational Provision and a Sketch of the Socioecological Context

In Western Australia the East Wanneroo horticultural area is reliant on a superficial aquifer, the Gnangara Groundwater Mound, for irrigation. The area is affected by social and political change as the sprawling city of Perth expands, as well as by ecological changes resulting from a decline in groundwater levels. Horticulturalists face increasing competition for water allocation particularly with the drier conditions which are the consequence of two decades of reduced rainfall. This study provides a rationale for an educational intervention; explores the social, political, and ecological context of the East Wanneroo agricultural area; identifies gaps in current knowledge and understanding of the irrigation community and linkages between this community and their context which require further investigation and clarification; and outlines a theoretical framework which can be applied to develop a customized educational strategy aimed at improving irrigation practices and promoting sustainable communities and water usage.

This work was undertaken while the senior author was enrolled at the University of Southern Queensland, and we would like to thank Faculty of Education staff for their administrative support. We are also grateful also for the continued support received from staff and students in the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University.