Knowledge and adaptive capacity

Williams, Casey; Fenton, Adrian; Huq, Saleemul

doi:10.1038/nclimate2476

Cited by 79 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…The potential impact of higher variability in weather on crop yields [26] along with increasing pest risks upon warming and the yield gains potentiated by longer growing seasons [27] emphasize the proactive adaptation and adaptive capacity of farmers. Adaptations stem from farm adaptive capacity [28]: the building of resourcefulness, social capital such as knowledge and networks, and the ability to act proactively [29,30]. Recognizing practically feasible and ecologically, socially and economically sustainable means to strengthen the adaptive capacity of farms is critical for enhancing their ability to cope with the adverse impacts brought about by climate change and the associated changes in the economy, policies and markets [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Engaging Farmers in Climate Change Adaptation Planning: Assessing Intercropping as a Means to Support Farm Adaptive Capacity

et al. 2016

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Abstract:Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable and adaptation-prone sources of livelihood facing climate change. Joint adaptation planning by farmers and researchers can help develop practically feasible and environmentally and economically sound adaptation actions as well as encourage the proactive building of farm adaptive capacity. Here, the perceptions of Finnish farmers and rural stakeholders regarding intercropping, the cultivation of two or more crop genotypes together in time and space, as a means to prepare for climate change, were collected in an open workshop. Our aim was to identify the potentials and challenges associated with intercropping, its role as an adaptation strategy, and in farm adaptive capacity. Qualitative analysis revealed better yield security, increased nutrient and protein self-sufficiency, soil conservation and maintenance, reduced pathogen pressure and regulation of water dynamics as the main perceived potentials of intercropping. Potentials relating to the farm economy and environment were also recognized. The main challenges associated with intercropping were related to the lack of information on crop variety performance and optimal yielding in mixtures, industry and policy requirements for seed purity, more complicated crop management and harvesting, and the economic risks associated with experimenting with novel mixtures. Nitrogen-fixing legumes; deep-rooted species, such as lucerne (Medicago sativa L.); special crops, such as herbs in forage mixtures; and autumn-sown winter oilseeds and cereals were highlighted as the most promising intercrops. Because the recognized potentials relate to the safeguarding of field cropping from anticipated climate change and the associated weather variability, we conclude that intercropping can serve as one adaptation strategy to strengthen the adaptive capacity of Finnish farms. However, assuring markets and policies that allow the development of intercropping, performing experiments to assess the benefits and implement options in practice, and providing farmers and farm advisors with more knowledge on the method represent the critical prerequisites for the broader adoption of intercropping.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Engaging Farmers in Climate Change Adaptation Planning: Assessing Intercropping as a Means to Support Farm Adaptive Capacity

et al. 2016

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“…The ability to both manage and prepare for change through design and implementation of adaptive responses can be characterised as adaptive capacity, for which knowledge and learning processes represent a major enabling influence (Williams et al, 2015). Learning represents an exploratory, stepwise search process where participants experiment with innovation and knowledge development until they meet constraints and new boundaries (PahlWostl, 2009).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Participatory scenario planning for developing innovation in community adaptation responses: three contrasting examples from Latin America

et al. 2016

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Abstract:Environmental change requires adaptive responses that are innovative, forward-looking and anticipatory, in order to meet goals for sustainability in socio-ecological systems. This implies transformative shifts in understanding as conceptualised by the idea of 'double'-or 'triple-loop learning'. Achieving this can be difficult as communities often rely on shorter-term coping mechanisms that purport to maintain the status quo. The use of participatory scenario planning to stimulate forward-looking social learning for adaptation was investigated through three contrasting community case studies on natural resource management in Latin America (in Mexico, Argentina and Colombia). Exploratory scenario narratives that synthesized local knowledge and future perceptions were used iteratively to define response options considered robust across multiple futures. Despite its intensive format, participants in each case agreed that scenario planning enabled a more systematic appraisal of the future. Scenarios facilitated innovation by providing scope to propose new types of responses and associated actions. Differences in local context meant that learning about future change developed in diverse ways, showing a need for a reflexive process. Reframing of key issues characteristic of double-loop learning did occur, albeit through different forms of interaction in each location. However, a shift towards transformative actions characteristic of triple-loop learning was less evident. Achieving this would appear to require ongoing use of scenarios to challenge social norms in light of changing drivers. Use of learning loops as a diagnostic to evaluate adaptive responses provided a useful reference framework although in practice both innovation and consolidative approaches can develop concurrently for responses to different issues.

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“…Knowledge empowers adaptation both by creating options and by providing predictive power (Williams et al 2015). The panel recognized that research in the agricultural and food sectors, as well as in product development and consumer behavior, can advance the collaborative development of food systems.…”

Section: Resilience Determinant 3: Utilizing Human Capitalmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Social networks (Wood et al 2014), dialogue, transparency and trust (Carpenter et al 2012, Casti andIlmola 2012), and supporting policy (Darnhofer 2014) have also often been found to support resilience. Human capital has been identified as being important for resilience, for example, via the use of research-based knowledge combined with grassroots practical experiences and farm advisors' knowledge (Williams et al 2015), the capability for actor foresight and adaptation planning (Vervoort et al 2014), and the building of human capital through shared learning (Cabell and Oelofse 2012). Characteristics less emphasized by earlier studies, which were identified as being important in our case study, were better acknowledgement of the role of the consumer and the importance of strengthening domestic and locally based actions.…”

Section: What Defines Food System Resilience?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Codesigning a resilient food system

Himanen¹,

Rikkonen²,

Kahiluoto³

2016

E&S

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ABSTRACT. Global changes, especially the progression of climate change, create a plethora of adaptation needs for social-ecological systems. With increasing uncertainty, more resilient food systems that are able to adapt and shape their operations in response to emerging challenges are required. Most of the research on this subject has been focused on developing countries; however, developed countries also face increasing environmental, economic, and social pressures. Because food systems are complex and involve multiple actors, using codesign might be the most productive way to develop desirable system characteristics. For this study, we engaged food system actors in a scenario-planning exercise to identify means of building more resilient food systems. In particular, the actors focused on determinants of adaptive capacity in developed countries, with Finland as a case study. The brainstorming session followed by a two-round Delphi study raised three main characteristics for effective food system resilience, namely, energy and nutrient sovereignty, transparency and dialogue in the food chain, and continuous innovativeness and evidence-based learning. In addition, policy interventions were found instrumental for supporting such food system resilience. The main actor-specific determinants of adaptive capacity identified included the farmers' utilization of agri-technology and expertise; energy and logistic efficiency of the input and processing industry; and for retail, communication to build consumer trust and environmental awareness, and effective use of information and communication technology. Of the food system actors, farmers and the processing industry were perceived to be the closest to reaching the limits of their adaptive capacities. The use of adaptive capacity as a proxy seemed to concretize food system resilience effectively. Our study suggests that the resilience approach generates new perspectives that can guide actors in developing food systems that are adaptive in uncertainty.

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Knowledge and adaptive capacity

Cited by 79 publications

References 7 publications

Engaging Farmers in Climate Change Adaptation Planning: Assessing Intercropping as a Means to Support Farm Adaptive Capacity

Engaging Farmers in Climate Change Adaptation Planning: Assessing Intercropping as a Means to Support Farm Adaptive Capacity

Participatory scenario planning for developing innovation in community adaptation responses: three contrasting examples from Latin America

Codesigning a resilient food system

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