Adapting to climate change in shifting landscapes of belief

Abstract

Religious beliefs, an important element of culture, influence adaptation to climate change. Less understood is how changing beliefs shape the adaptive capacity of communities responding to climate change. In the last century sub-Saharan Africa has experienced a transformation in beliefs. Since 1900 Christians have increased 70-fold while in rural areas Traditional Beliefs and associated Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) continue to influence the lived practices of vulnerable rural communities. Using two case studies of rural communities in Malawi (Bolero) and Zambia (Monze) we explore how Christianity and Traditional beliefs (and associated TEK) co-exist and assess if, and how, holding multiple belief systems affects climate-sensitive livelihood practices of food production. In Bolero we observed a lack of tensions between belief systems with Traditional leaders and elders noting the flexibility of adhering to both belief systems. In Monze however, basing livelihood decisions on the practice of rain-rituals resulted in strong tensions. In both communities elders noted their concern of how changing beliefs affect adherence to TEK management practices. We find that culture and beliefs play an important role in adaptive capacity but are not static. In the context of changing beliefs, adaptive capacity will be influenced by how different belief systems co-exist and how epistemological and intergenerational frictions are negotiated. As climate services become the focus of research and government interventions in vulnerable regions, avoiding culturally and economically expensive mal-adaptation will require giving attention to the complexity and dynamism of changing religious landscapes.

Explaining the uncertainty: understanding small-scale farmers’ cultural beliefs and reasoning of drought causes in Gaza Province, Southern Mozambique

“…Moreover, cultural beliefs have been increasingly recognized as crucial in adaptation to, and reduction of, the risk of disaster due to their influence on people's attitudes and behaviors towards natural hazards, on their exposure, and on their vulnerability, although this is an area that remains under-researched (e.g., IFRC 2014, p. 14;Schipper 2010). Murphy et al (2016) and Schipper (2015, p. 146) define cultural beliefs as the underlying philosophies and ideologies that influence individuals' and communities' worldviews. Many studies exist on people's perceptions of climate change and risks, on traditional ecological knowledge, and on beliefs about the causes of natural disasters.…”

Connecting Global and Local Indonesian Religious Environmental Movements

“…In a useful study of Christian and traditional religious ecological adaptation in two communities in Malawi and Zambia, Murphy et al (2016) (Murphy et al, 2016, p.101). "…”

“…This body of literature makes environmental problems rather than environmental spaces a starting point for examining how moral communities form "political movement[s] for adaptive social change" (Jenkins, 2017, p.28). These movements range from adapting to environmental crises (Eucker, 2014;Murphy et al, 2016), local movements of resistance to exploiting natural resources (Witt, 2016;Grim, 1998) and broad-based social movements for changing global policy and practice on environmental protection and care (Gottlieb, 2009;Ellingson et al, 2012;Veldman et al, 2013;Martin-Schramm, 2010). Studies of religious environmental movements reveal strikingly diverse coalitions of religious groups and activists who apply their beliefs into message of care for the environment (Gottlieb, 2009, p.231;Veldman et al, 2013).…”

Climate Vulnerability in Rainfed Farming: Analysis from Indian Watersheds

“…A high religious diversity index (0.63) and family dependency ratio (0.51) (see Table A3) contribute to the highest value of vulnerability when compared to the other two watersheds. The previous research with regard to religion and climate change perceptions shows that there is an attitudinal difference to climate change and climate change policy across various religious groups [82][83][84] Religious beliefs have a direct impact on how to deal with threats, either it is on the short-term (e.g., famine, water access) or long-term (climate change, land ownership). Thus, adaptation planning must aim to integrate cultural values to facilitate interventions that redress power imbalances and empower individuals to help themselves through religious organisations [6].…”