How Long Does Social Learning Take? Insights from a Longitudinal Case Study

Social learning continues to attract the attention of researchers in natural resource management, yet little published research focuses specifically on social learning time frames. This article aims to redress this knowledge gap through presenting insights from a longitudinal study in Australia. The study involved four interview rounds from 2004 to 2009 with landholders taking part in a program focused on managing dryland salinity. The results demonstrate that participants were initially frustrated by the slow pace of social learning. Evidence of social learning occurred after approximately 1 year, but was initially restricted to an increased understanding of the problem without improved knowledge to address it. This knowledge emerged during the third year of the program. Based on the findings presented here, comparable social learning programs should consider a minimum of 3 years to allow enough time to develop new knowledge for tackling complex problems.