Vulnerability to climate variability of productive livelihoods in the Talgua watershed, Honduras.

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the vulnerability of productive agricultural livelihoods to the effects of climate variability in the Talgua watershed, Honduras. Information was collected through surveys and interviews with small producers and community leaders. A factor analysis (KMO test value 0.721; Bartlett’s test of sphericity (P > 0.000) was conducted to identify the relevant variables describing productive livelihoods, and vulnerability was analyzed according to the perception of small producers in the area. Coffee, corn and bean crops are the primary productive livelihoods in the area. Smallholders perceive exposure to climatic threats, such as rising temperature trends, rainfall fluctuations, and extreme events affecting crops and reducing yields. Climate adversities are dealt with through soil conservation techniques, planting season management and water harvesting. The predominant productive livelihoods are vulnerable to climate variability, which requires establishing an adaptation strategy with actions and alternatives that allow these families to cope with climate adversities.

Analysis of Deforestation and Water Quality in the Talgua River Watershed (Honduras): Ecosystem Approach Based on the DPSIR Model

“…In addition, these climatic conditions have led to the emergence of pests and diseases and have made it difficult for communities to transport and sell agricultural products, further exacerbating the situation in the region. At the same time, a decline in natural soil fertility has been observed, which was attributed to changes in land use and the action of erosive processes [59,76]. In 1998, 2005, and 2008, the study area was affected by high rainfall events caused by hurricanes Mitch, Beta, and tropical depression 16 (Figure 6), and more recently, in 2020, hurricanes Eta and Iota.…”

“…Sandoval et al [76] identified other climate-related pressures in the Talgua River watershed (Figure 6). The livelihoods of farmers in the area have been affected by increased temperatures, reduced rainfall, heat waves, or heavy rains, resulting in economic losses of Coffea arabica, Zea mays, and Phaseolus vulgaris crops.…”

“…In our case, the pH values were maintained in the neutral to basic ranges In 1998, 2005, and 2008, the study area was affected by high rainfall events caused by hurricanes Mitch, Beta, and tropical depression 16 (Figure 6), and more recently, in 2020, hurricanes Eta and Iota. These events resulted in significant damage to agricultural and livestock production, as well as infrastructure [76]. Nevertheless, and in close relation to climate change, the increase in the number of extreme events, as projected by scenarios for Honduras and more specifically for the Talgua River basin and surroundings, indicates that precipitation could increase by 2.7% for the year 2030, 5.1% for the year 2050, and 11.5% for the year 2080.…”

“…25, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 23 to transport and sell agricultural products, further exacerbating the situation in the region. At the same time, a decline in natural soil fertility has been observed, which was attributed to changes in land use and the action of erosive processes[59,76].…”

Miu sub-watershed: Flood vulnerability assessment using spatial model

“…The frequent occurrence of floods and droughts is evidence [11,12]. Even residential areas and public infrastructure were inundated by floods, causing extensive material and non-material damage and losses [13,14].…”