Fuzzy Cognitive Map Clustering to Assess Local Knowledge of Ecosystem Conservation in Ecuador

Abstract

Smallholder farmers in developing countries such as Ecuador have contributed widely to ecosystem conservation. Although they have been affected by the consequences of climate change, the synergy of Pachamama care and technical knowledge has become key to sustaining dynamics in their local territories. This paper presents a combined methodology approach based on fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to capture perceptions of ecosystem conservation. The purpose was to assess the impact of the “Biocorridors for Living Well” program on the application of local knowledge by smallholder farmers. The findings showed that program managers had a limited narrow focus based on the general program ideology, whereas peasants’ perceptions revealed a more complex map, highlighting the importance of building capacities beyond sustainable agricultural techniques. Also, both groups were aware of the contribution of ecosystem conservation to rural development. However, it is essential to stress that the contribution of smallholder farmers to conservation was critical, and most of the time, their efforts were not valued. Therefore, to scale up program outcomes, national and international institutions require an understanding of local peasants’ perceptions to guarantee action sustainability and to avoid repetitive actions in their local territories.

Elucidating social-ecological perceptions of a protected area system in Interior Alaska: a fuzzy cognitive mapping approach

“…The fuzzy cognitive mapping approach has proven useful for modeling how people perceive the features and interactions of SES, particularly ones that are shrouded in complex dynamics and uncertainty (Gray et al 2012). This approach is an active method of elicitation that requires participants to initiate their own accounting of social-ecological dynamics to reveal local, placebased knowledge (Ozesmi andOzesmi 2003, Satama andIglesias 2020). Results of fuzzy cognitive mapping research have informed resource management decisions of how stakeholders understand the particularities of places (Vasslides and Jensen 2016).…”

Assessment of farmers' perceptions of the sustainable agricultural practices in the “Biocorridors for Living Well” program in Ecuador: Pisque Mojanda San Pablo and Cayambe Coca

“…However, once the project ends, some farmers do not pursue further the actions implemented in the territory (Jansen et al, 2006;M Kassie et al, 2009;Satama & Iglesias, 2020;Somda et al, 2002).…”

“…By considering that for over 30 years, smallholder farmers in developing countries have been involved in environmental management programs to encourage adoption of SAPs (M Kassie et al, 2009), it could be considered that the government's and international institutions' efforts to promote ecosystem conservation through SAPs have not been successful. The same is currently happening in Ecuador (Satama & Iglesias, 2020). As mentioned above, these programs can address a broad set of interests such as poverty alleviation, food security, and ecological management (Altieri, 2002;Keese, 2001;C.…”

“…Nevertheless, studies on farmers strategies of decision-making on sustainable agriculture from farmers have not been well studied. For instance, few studies have focused on explaining adoption strategies of sustainable measures from smallholder farmers in Ecuador (Mauceri et al, 2005;Satama & Iglesias, 2020;Travis;Elli, 2015), which is vital due to the level of heterogeneity that rural areas present (Hentschel & Waters, 2002), and the possibility to generate public policies for small scale agriculture benefit.…”

“…Different forms of capacity building such as training in workshops and promotion campaigns have been carried out to promote environmental awareness, and to ensure the protection of the environment (Kapoor, 2011;Salafsky & Wollenberg, 2000;Shiferaw et al, 2009;Uzunboylu et al, 2009). However, in the long-term, the SAPs adoption has a level of uncertainty from farmers (Jansen et al, 2006;M Kassie et al, 2009;Satama & Iglesias, 2020;Somda et al, 2002). Therefore, environmental education has been examined as a way of making informed decisions and raising awareness about the environment (Fishbein and Ajzen, 1977;Stern et al, 1985;Sanera, 1998;Özden and Ozden.…”