Biographical Information
Neels has been involved in social research since 1980. He has lived with his family in New Zealand since 2000 when he joined AgResearch.
His areas of specialisation include agricultural extension, understanding human behaviour change and the adoption of innovations.
Neels' current research is focusing on understanding the non-adoption of environmental technologies, evaluating the impact of DairyPush on participating farmers, understanding and enhancing the use of social networks to enhance adoption, understanding the non-compliance of dairy farmers regarding effluent management.
Selected Publications
Botha, N. (2009). Partnerships in agricultural development: lessons from New Zealand for extension. Paper presented at the 43rd Annual conference of the South African Society for Agricultural Extension. Madiba Baquet Hall, Potchefstroom, South Africa, May 12-15, 2009.
Botha, N., & Wedderburn, L. (2008, February). Influencing on-farm Green House Gas mitigation and management practices. Paper presented at the Climate Change Summit, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Botha, N., Coutts, J., & Roth, H. (2008). The role of agricultural consultants in New Zealand in environmental extension. The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 14(2), 125-138.
Plowman, I., Wood, A., Botha, N., & Coutts, J. (2008, April/May). From victims to victors: understanding and changing the culture of the sugar industry in the Herbert. Paper presented at the 30th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Botha, N., & Parminter, T. (2007, November). Influencing on-farm Green House Gas mitigation and management practices. Paper presented at workshop - "From ideas to action – Developing advisory messages and methods to achieve GHG mitigation in tomorrow's livestock industries". Grand Chancellor Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Botha, N., Coutts, J., & Roth, H. (2006, August). The role of agricultural consultants in the New Zealand Research, Development and Extension system. Paper presented at the New Zealand Agricultural and Resource Economics Society conference, Nelson, New Zealand.
Botha, N., & Parminter, T. (2006, August). Views of primary producers in the Taupo and Rotorua catchments: implications for water quality policy. Paper presented at the New Zealand Agricultural and Resource Economics Society conference, Nelson, New Zealand.
Botha, N., & Parminter, T. (2006, August). The role of a voluntary behaviour change approach to protect water quality in Lake Rotorua and Lake Taupo: a case study. Paper presented at the International Water Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
Botha, N., & Parminter, T. (2006). The suitability of available technologies and responses to Government policies for improving waterway quality. In B. Beardmore, K. Englund, & W. Haider (compilers),Book of Abstracts: the 12th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. Global Challenges & Local Responses (p. 26). Vancouver, University of British Columbia.
Small, B., & Botha, N. (2006, July). Scientists' moral attitudes and beliefs about genetic engineering. Paper presented at the XVI International Sociology Association Congress, Durban, South Africa.
Botha, N., Parminter, T., & Roth, H. (2006). Exploring possibilities for extension to protect water quality. In R.J. Petheram & R.C. Johnson (Eds.), Proceedings of the Practice change for sustainable communities: Exploring footprint, pathways and possibilities: APEN 2006 International Conference, La Trobe University, Beechworth, Victoria. Published online at http://www.regional.org.au/au/apen/2006.
Botha, N., & Atkins, K. (2006). The adoption of decision support tools in the New Zealand pastoral industry. In R.J. Petheram & R.C. Johnson (Eds.), Proceedings of the Practice change for sustainable communities: Exploring footprint, pathways and possibilities: APEN 2006 International Conference, La Trobe University, Beechworth, Victoria. Published online at http://www.regional.org.au/au/apen/2006.
Botha, C.A.J., & Allen, W., (2005, November). New Zealand experiences with extension systems. Paper presented at the Pacific Regional Seminar on Participatory Agricultural Extension, the Kingdom of Tonga.
Botha, C.A.J., & Allen, W., (2005, November). Experiences with information communication technologies and New Zealand farmers. Paper presented at the Pacific Regional Seminar on Participatory Agricultural Extension, the Kingdom of Tonga.
Roth, H., Botha, C.A.J., & Atkins, K., (2005, October). The adoption of land management practices by Maori with specific reference to Taupo and Rotorua. Paper presented at the Industry Development and Practice Change conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.