Climate Change and Peruvian Potato Farming: Traditional Knowledge in Climate Change Adaptation

58 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Environmental Studies and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Arts, Spring 2014.Anthropogenic climate change is impacting Peruvian potat farming as a result of increased temperatures, erratic weather and unpredictable precipitation. In Peru, potato farming is not only a means of subsistence, but it also embodies significant beliefs and traditions of Quechua culture. As climate change intensifies, the need for farmers to adapt to the impacts is increasing. This situation is applicable across the globe in other agricultural communities. Focusing on the Peruvian highlands, this thesis asks: considering the impacts of climate change on Peruvian potato farming, how can farmers most effectively adapt? This thesis answers this question by exploring the current literature on adaptation and assessing how four stakeholders - potato farmers, U.S. media, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and institutions approach adaptation strategies. The theme that emerges from this research is the effectiveness of traditional knowledge in Peruvian potato farming considering farmers' historical experience with climate variability. I argue that traditional knowledge is an effective adaptation strategy and should be given a legitimate space in the adaptation discussion. The significant role traditional knowledge can play in adaptation is consistent with emerging adaptation literature. In the broader context, while this thesis focuses on the role traditional knowledge plays in climate change adaptation with Peruvian potato farming, it is applicable on a larger scale. Rethinking the concept of adaptation and questioning certain related terms such as vulnerability and resilience could result in a more well-rounded and effective approach to adaptation globally