Abstract
Farmers across the globe are experiencing compounding shocks that make evident the need to better understand potential drivers and barriers to strengthen adaptive capacity. This is especially true in the context of a disaster, where a disruption in the natural and built environment hinders livelihood strategies and exposes the underlying dynamics that perpetuate vulnerability to natural hazards. As such, the interconnections of structural and individual attributes must be considered when evaluating adaptive capacity. This paper uses a convergent mixed-methods approach to assess Puerto Rican farmers' actual and intended adoption of adaptation practices, in light of the obstacles they faced toward recovery after 2017's category four Hurricane Maria, to contribute to better understanding adaptive capacity. This study uses data from 405 farmers across Puerto Rico (87% response rate), surveyed 8 months after Maria by agricultural agents of the Extension Service of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. Quantitative data was assessed through negative binomial regressions (actual adoption) and generalized linear models (intended adoption), while qualitative data (reported obstacles) were analyzed through thematic analysis. This study found that almost half of farmers adopted an adaptation practice after Maria, and that in many cases, broader structures, such as systems of governance, farmers' social networks, and infrastructure, affect adaptive capacity more than individual perceptions of capacity. Future adaptation strategies and interventions, especially in the context of disaster, should consider the extent to which structural factors hinder individuals' ability to prepare for, respond, and recover from the impacts of these shocks. Our results show that there might be opportunity to enact new systems in light of catastrophic events, but this does not solely depend on individual actions. The mixed-methods approach used can inform future studies in better assessing adaptive capacity from a standpoint that incorporates individual and structural components.
Highlights
Farmers across the globe are facing multiple compounding shocks, such as devastating hurricanes and severe droughts
This paper assessed Puerto Rican farmers’ actual and intended adoption of adaptation practices and management strategies in light of the obstacles they faced toward recovery after Hurricane Maria
This study assessed how various determinants of adaptive capacity reflect on Puerto Rican farmers’ actual and intended adoption of adaptation practices, in light of the obstacles they faced toward recovery after 2017’s Hurricane Maria
Summary
Farmers across the globe are facing multiple compounding shocks, such as devastating hurricanes and severe droughts These impacts are likely to become more frequent or intense in a changing climate (IPCC, 2014; Zhang et al, 2020), and it is increasingly important to understand the barriers and drivers to strengthen farmers’ adaptive capacity—the available resources or assets to mitigate, prepare for, counter, and recover from impacts (Brooks and Adger, 2005; Gallopín, 2006; López-Marrero, 2010; Wisner et al, 2012; Cinner et al, 2018; Barnes et al, 2020; Phillips et al, 2020). Focusing on strengthening adaptive capacity is a crucial step in decreasing vulnerability
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