Exploring the occupational experiences of livestock farmers during drought: A narrative inquiry

Abstract

Introduction: For much of the 21st century, Australia has endured the most prolonged and severe drought since records began. This drought has been found to have negative and long-lasting consequences upon both the physical and mental well-being of farmers and their families. To date, however, no research has examined the experience of drought from an occupational perspective. Objective: This study aims to explore the way in which drought impacts upon the lived experience of the farming role and the way in which the occupational identity of farmers influences the meanings attributed, and response to, drought. Methods: Narrative inquiry and thematic analysis were used to explore the experiences of drought among six farming men and four farming women from Northern Queensland. Findings: Four inter-related themes were identified. These being: ‘Becoming a farmer – Rites of passage on entry to the farming role’; ‘Farmers as guardians over the land’; ‘Drought as siege’ and; ‘Leisure occupations as temporary bridges to a world beyond drought’. Each of these themes offer insights into the way in which drought comes to be understood by farmers and, in turn, experienced and responded to. Conclusion: By better understanding the occupational experiences of farmers during drought, resources can be more effectively targeted towards promoting occupational balance and well-being. Interventions aimed at reframing the way in which the farming role is conceptualised from a young age and supporting occupations beyond farming as bridges to the outside world may be effective in achieving positive outcomes during drought.