Environmental and Socio-Economic Changes in the Rural Andes: Human Resilience and Adaptation Strategies - Impact of Global Changes on Mountains: Responses and Adaptation - page 426

Table 19.2. Adaptation forms and strategies of Andean agriculture and rural Communities.

ADAPTATION FORMS AND STRATEGIES
OF AGRICULTURE

ADAPTATION TO: ADAPTATION FORMS AND

STRATEGIES OF RURAL
COMMUNITIES

• Seasonal and spatial shifts of agricultural
calendar
• Altitudinal complementarity of agricultural
systems (“Vertical Control”)
• Niche- and mosaic agriculture
• Terracing, contour ploughing
• Traditional and modern irrigation
techniques
• Application of fertilizers & pesticides
• Field and crop rotation
• Polyculture and intercropping
• Frost alleviation and protection techniques,
freeze-/drying techniques (e.g.,“ chuño ”
preparation)
• Agropastoral systems, animal husbandry
• Agroforestry systems
• Land degradation protective measures
• Adjustments in the type and number of
herding animals
• Revival of traditional crops, introduction of
new cultigens and products
• Production and marketing cooperatives
• Revival of “ saber andino ”

• Altitude
• Relief
• Water supply
• Soil conditions
• Climate and climate change
• Distance & accessibility
• Cultural traditions
• Modernization, new technologies
• Variable demographic conditions and
migration patterns
• Land tenure
• Subsistence versus market requirements
• Rural and urban labour market
• Government and NGO-Programmes
• International/global actors and institutions

• Adapted location for communities
• Adaptation of communities to
environmental condition and changes
• Protection of communities from
environmental risks and hazards
• Revitalization of traditional knowledge
• Sustainable use of local natural resources
• Principle of reciprocity
• Mobilization of local human resources
and potentials (e.g., tourism, industry)
• Exploration of new economic
opportunities
• Alternative new—agricultural
employment
• Commuting to urban centers, seasonal
migration, permanent outmigration
• Enhanced supply and quality of drinking
and irrigation waters
• Enhancement of health and sanitation
• Rural empowerment, social mobilization,
autogestión

Compiled by Stadel 2011