Actor-specific risk perceptions and strategies for resilience building in different food systems in Kenya and Bolivia

Abstract

Food system sustainability depends, among other aspects, on the resilience of different components of food systems. By resilience, we mean the ability of a food system to withstand stress and shocks, recover, and adapt to change. In this study, we examined he resilience of food systems, firstly, by compiling the risks perceived by different food system actors in the Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia, and the northwestern Mount Kenya Region, Kenya -two regions that are important to their respective national food supply. Secondly, we evaluated whether and under what circumstances these perceptions translate into adaptive or preventive strategies that benefit food system resilience. Among all actors, the most frequently perceived risks relate to production levels. Further, the many (sometimes contradictory) perceptions of risk and uncertainty among different actors groups do not necessarily translate into adaptation strategies. Reasons for this include structural factors as well as the "risk perception paradox", particularly regarding preventive strategies. However, we also observed many implicit strategies illustrating how different actors develop responses within their possibilities. However, most such strategies were insufficient to mitigate, much less to adapt to, the perceived risks. To build resilience, existing innovative policies need to be enforced in both countries. These include disaster risk-reduction programmes and programmes to reduce the vulnerability of marginalized groups who are crucial to food systems, such as smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and food workers.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Mapping evidence of human adaptation to climate change

“…47,48 In Bolivia, Guatemala, and Kenya, for example, the threat of droughts and precipitation variability have spurred changes in food systems. 49,50 Flooding and rising sea levels most commonly drive responses in Small Island States, compelling people to prepare inland and coastal flood management infrastructure, implement new building codes, and develop hazard maps and early warning systems. [51][52][53] In cities worldwide, flooding and sea level rise are most frequently cited as key motivating hazards.…”

“When We Stand up, They Have to Negotiate with Us”: Power Relations in and between an Agroindustrial and an Indigenous Food System in Bolivia

“…They do not allow us enter." (Head of the environment and natural resources management division, San Pedro Municipality [52])…”

“…By allocating observed actors and activities in these dimensions, the framework can be helpful for identifying the possibilities of transformative action in various settings [31]. Power cube analysis allows us to go further than actors' perceptions, which we assessed previously in the same food system case studies [52], and perceptions on what constitutes "good food" [53]. Using the power cube, we can analyze three dimensions of power in a specific setting, investigating horizontal relationships in relation to vertical governance levels.…”

“…(Departmental representative, Bartolinas, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 2016) Such internalized concepts or perceptions of not being able to change the prevailing mode of operation were also observed in consumption: In a previous study, we found a pronounced perception among consumers regarding pesticide residues and unhealthy food, but at the same time, a low level of related actions to change the situation. Interviewees explained that consciousness was strong, but that they did not see enough room for action [52].…”

Coastal Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction: A Review of Policy, Programme and Practice for Sustainable Planning Outcomes

“…It also implies the capacity of an individual, household, city or an environment to return to its former state functioning with little damage sequel to possible shocks and environmental commotion. However, resilience is gradually developing as an integrative concept approach that links people in ameliorating stress, shocks, social protection, food security, climate-related disasters [57]. The increasing knowledge of resilience brings together aspects of transforming human livelihoods in order to address the hurdles of highest normative priority and enhance improved climate adaptation and disaster reduction [58].…”