Double exposure to climate change and globalization in peasant agricultural communities

Abstract

This dissertation, composed of both a theoretical overview of peasant agriculture in economics and case studies in two regions, contributes to these issues in several ways: (1) by providing an analysis and summary of the theoretical treatment of peasant agriculture in economic theory; (2) by applying a framework for investigating simultaneous exposure to climate change and globalization to two peasant communities; (3) by applying theory from behavioral science on conflicting governance levels to a peasant community, (4) by making the case for the importance of case studies relying on participatory rural appraisal techniques to inform both economic policy making, and climate models; and (5) by making policy recommendations for sustainable development in these two case study regions. After the theoretical overview in chapter one, chapter two introduces the double exposure framework and methodology for investigating simultaneous exposure to climate change and globalization. Chapter two also introduces the two regions: the Peruvian Highlands, and the Mexican Yucatan, with an agricultural history, and literature review of studies on climate change, and globalization in each community.

Chapter six concludes with a discussion of common findings and differences between the two case study regions, along with policy recommendations and areas for future research.

The third case study, presented in chapter five, applies the double exposure framework to a Mayan community in Ek'Balam Mexico. Findings from PRA approaches undertaken in the community show livelihoods in Ek'Balam are shifting as households become increasingly integrated into the local tourism economy. Despite a decreased focus on agriculture as a source of income it still persists as an important part of peasant life, and as a source of subsistence. A combination of tourism and agricultural based strategies allow households to balance subsistence and cash needs while reducing the need for out migration. As the climate is becoming more unpredictable and crop yields less consistent, however, traditional agriculture is being challenged and may be becoming an imperative for survival rather than an opportunity to improve wellbeing.

The second study, presented in chapter four, is also conducted in Langui, Peru. This chapter uses findings form behavioral science to examine the opportunities and conflicts at different governance levels--individual, community, and global. Findings from Participtory Rural Apprasial (PRA) methods used in the community, along with agricultural census data show that community level governance is being weakened due to the growth of the global ultrasocial system, creating challenges for the management of ecosystem services. The loss of traditional crops, community based agricultural management techniques, and systems of reciprocity will make it difficult for smallholders to maintain food self-sufficiency and agrobiodiversity in the face of a changing climate and global economy.

The first case study, presented in chapter three, uses the double exposure framework to examine challenges and opportunities in the community of Langui, Peru. Livelihood strategies in the Peruvian Highlands are at risk as smallholder farmers are simultaneously confronted by two major disruptions--economic globalization and climate change. Results of interviews conducted with 40 farming households in Langui, Peru show that agriculture in the region is undergoing a number of adaptations as households transition from planting traditional staple crops, to planting improved varieties of grasses for livestock for dairy production. These adaptations are a response to increased extreme weather events, and increased opportunity for participation in the formal market. Responses indicated community desire for balanced development strategies in this region that promote market participation while allowing smallholder farmers to maintain food self-sufficiency and agrobiodiversity in the face of climate change and a changing global economy.

The field of economics has long ignored the study of peasant communities, relegating them to the role of a marginal economic sector and promoting their shift towards industrialization. This can be seen both in the treatment, or lack of treatment, of peasant producers in economic models and in development policies put in place across the globe. It is clear that despite this treatment, peasant economies persist today and provide important contributions to food security, maintenance of ecosystems, and increasingly as suppliers of agricultural products to the formal market. With growing concerns of the environmental destruction, and lack of development opportunities that industrialized agriculture has provided, peasant agriculture is regaining interest. There is a need for improved understanding of the way peasant communities make decisions, especially as these communities face the challenges of globalization and climate change.