As an introduction into the numerous factors that can and perhaps should be considered when there is a need to change land management practices, this is an excellent source of information and ideas. A detailed description of the meaning of adoption and the adoption process, the importance of local information and circumstances, the need to understand the impacts of the local community and family in decision-making are given with interesting case studies relating to Australian farming. It gives an insightful view into the factors that should be considered by any policy maker wanting to promote or reduce a specific land management style or practice in order that efforts to affect change are correctly targeted, marketed and financed.

The first chapter of this book gives a concise and clearly worded summary of the key points in land management change that are developed further in later chapters. This clear style of writing continues for the majority of the chapters, most notably in the chapters investigating the meanings of adoption in relation to land management (Chapter 3) and ways of identifying and targeting the drivers of adoption (Chapter 6). The role and importance of women in agriculture (Chapter 10) combined with previous discussions of the family farm business (Chapter 7) give a clear message that when land management change is needed, efforts must be made to engage all the decision makers and advisers.