Social sciences
ABARES Social Sciences undertakes applied social research and analysis, to support the strategic program and policy goals of the Department of Agriculture, other government agencies, research and development corporations, and industry bodies.
ABARES social sciences research
ABARES social research capabilities
The team has the following research capabilities:
- qualitative research and analysis
- demographic analysis
- design and facilitate focus groups and workshops
- design, delivery, data capture and statistical analysis of sample surveys
- social network analysis
- application of frameworks for supporting behaviour change, systems thinking, vulnerability and resilience, and understanding social, cultural and institutional dimensions of change
- social impact and structural adjustment assessment
- community engagement theory, processes and practice
- multidisciplinary research
- monitoring and evaluation of programs and policies.
The team contributes specialist advice to sectoral committees (Marine Pest Sectoral Committee) and expert advice and support to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporations’ Human Dimensions Research (HDR) Program Steering Committee 2015-2020 . It also contributes to multi-stakeholder research projects, such as the FMD Ready – Sub-project 2 Farmer-led surveillance.
ABARES social science research is part of ABARES broader research focus on biosecurity.
Key projects in 2020-21
Our key projects and clients in 2020-21 include:
- Social and non-market impacts of vertebrate pests and weeds in Australia (Biosecurity Strategy and Reform Office, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)
- Monitoring landholder pest and weed management practices (Wave 2) (Biosecurity Strategy and Reform Office, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)
- Making general surveillance work (ABARES, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)
- Trends in the Australian agricultural workforce (Agricultural Policy, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)