Climate Change Perceptions and Adaptation Strategies: A Mixed Methods Study with Subsistence Farmers in Rural Peru

Abstract

In Peru, subsistence farmers experience firsthand the direct and indirect impacts of climate change (CC). To understand how farmers adapt their livelihoods to climatic variability, this mixed methods study explored their perceptions and climate adaptability strategies implemented in Huayhuay, Peru. Twenty farmers participated in semi-structured interviews, and 103 completed a survey questionnaire. The results indicated that most farmers perceive changes in temperature, precipitation, and drought that negatively affect agricultural production and local natural resources. To deal with CC, farmers are implementing twenty-six climate adaptation strategies. Diversifying agricultural products and practices, and exploring new economic activities were adaptability strategies identified in this study that the literature has previously documented as having positive implications for agricultural livelihoods. However, some farmers reported that adaptability strategies are failed attempts at local climate action. The results, along with the adaptability literature, revealed that farmers implement locally accessible adaptability strategies based on their climate variability perceptions. Therefore, this study recommends exploring CC perceptions and adaptability strategies with a site-based approach. It is also recommended that future research, local climate planning, and action must focus on the efficiency and inclusiveness of strategies rather than their frequency or levels of adoption. Finally, strengthening the technical capacities and knowledge of CC among subsistence farmers must be a priority for authorities and practitioners in Huayhuay, Peru.