Climate Change Adaptation Dynamics: Exploring Rural Communities' Perceptions and Strategies in Cauca, Colombia

Abstract

Recent reports on climate change have heightened awareness of the vulnerability of rural areas, especially concerning small-scale farmers in Global South countries. This research emphasizes the importance of local perspectives in promoting resilient and sustainable rural communities through a participatory qualitative approach. Utilizing the community capitals framework, a basic needs approach, and the concept of vulnerability, it examines whether different climate change adaptation practices can protect the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and to what extent, while highlighting the complex dynamics of rural areas. The work demonstrates that assessing community capital helps formulate robust and sustainable adaptation strategies based on the local population's basic needs. The research methods used were predominantly qualitative, based on active community participation to explore behaviors and decision-making processes. Thus, data analysis, historical contextualization, stakeholder surveys on vulnerability and adaptation needs, and various interviews were combined. The study underscores the need for external interventions, improved access to meteorological information, and the development of joint strategies to increase climate resilience in vulnerable communities. Additionally, the research identifies limitations of climate change adaptation measures and emphasizes the importance of education and external support. Community assets, including social, natural, and human resources, are crucial in developing adaptation strategies and increasing resilience. Furthermore, community empowerment and balanced gender leadership reduce inequalities and reinforce cohesion. Therefore, the research provides important insights for rural development policies and climate change adaptation strategies, emphasizing the importance of local perspectives and community capitals. In summary, the results highlight the significance of local action in increasing resilience to climate change and forging a more sustainable future. The study not only underscores the importance of gender inclusion in climate change adaptation but also demonstrates that the studied communities are on the right path to creating long-term resilience. Thus, the climate adaptation measures analyzed in the study can be considered the foundation for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future in which local communities play a crucial role in shaping a better world.