New Insights on Land Use, Land Cover, and Climate Change in Human–Environment Dynamics of the Equatorial Andes

Abstract

We provide new insights on land use and climate change in human–environment dynamics of the equatorial Andes. We focused on two provinces (Cotopaxi and Napo) and three communities of Ecuador characterized by similar land tenure regimes but different socioenvironmental contexts. We integrate satellite data classifications and statistical analyses, longitudinal downscaled climate modeling, and interviews with smallholder farmers, to analyze environmental changes between 1991 and 2017, local impacts, and local adaptations. In Cotopaxi, our results reveal a significant growth of forest plantations, irrigated agriculture, and greenhouse infrastructure associated with specific topographic and soil conditions, land and water availability and accessibility, and changing economic opportunities. In Napo, the reduction of montane forest vegetation and expansion of shrub vegetation are noteworthy. These changes are likely linked to feedback mechanisms between conservation and development strategies, exacerbated by contemporary climate change and increased natural hazards risk. Our study shows that mean annual temperature in the region has increased, seasonal change has intensified, annual precipitation has decreased, and the number of frost-free days has increased in relation to the normal period (1961–1990). Our study supports the notion that wide-ranging human adaptations linked to climate and land use changes, market elements (including livelihood transitions, occupational multiplicity, and production rationales), and complex knowledge systems (both indigenous and nonindigenous) are critical to the sustainability of smallholder farmers in the Andes.