Climate Change and Peruvian Potato Farming: Traditional Knowledge in Climate Change Adaptation
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Date
2014-06
Authors
Giamberso, Lisa Rose
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is impacting Peruvian potat farming as a result
of increased temperatures, erratic weather and unpredictable precipitation. In Peru,
potato farming is not only a means of subsistence, but it also embodies significant
beliefs and traditions of Quechua culture. As climate change intensifies, the need for
farmers to adapt to the impacts is increasing. This situation is applicable across the
globe in other agricultural communities. Focusing on the Peruvian highlands, this thesis
asks: considering the impacts of climate change on Peruvian potato farming, how can
farmers most effectively adapt? This thesis answers this question by exploring the
current literature on adaptation and assessing how four stakeholders - potato farmers,
U.S. media, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and institutions approach
adaptation strategies. The theme that emerges from this research is the
effectiveness of traditional knowledge in Peruvian potato farming considering farmers'
historical experience with climate variability. I argue that traditional knowledge is an
effective adaptation strategy and should be given a legitimate space in the adaptation
discussion. The significant role traditional knowledge can play in adaptation is
consistent with emerging adaptation literature. In the broader context, while this thesis
focuses on the role traditional knowledge plays in climate change adaptation with
Peruvian potato farming, it is applicable on a larger scale. Rethinking the concept of
adaptation and questioning certain related terms such as vulnerability and resilience
could result in a more well-rounded and effective approach to adaptation globally.
Description
58 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Environmental Studies and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Arts, Spring 2014.
Keywords
Climate change, Native Potato, Agriculture, Peruvian Andes, Adaptation, Traditional knowledge, Potato farming, Peru