Systems Thinking for Future Farm System Design

A farming business is an example of a complex and integrated system. Integrated systems (such as those involving land, water, air and people) are good opportunities for utilising a systems thinking approach. A facilitation framework for rural professionals that utilises systems thinking and systems thinking tools has been developed through this project. The purpose of this facilitation framework is to enable rural professionals to engage with farmers in supporting their development of more resilient and robust farming systems into the future. Using systems thinking tools, it is easier to ask difficult questions, consider different perspectives and as a result, challenge the status quo in a nonthreatening way. This report provides a full summary of the process, the final framework and all learnings from the project.