Adaptation to Climate change in Farming Communities: Observations from two Research Projects in South Australia

Abstract

Findings are presented from two major research projects investigating impacts of climate change in rural South Australia. One focuses specifically on farmers' responses to periods of pronounced heat and drought on both Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas. The second looks more broadly at how rural communities across the State respond to spells of extremely high temperatures. In both cases, the primary data source is semi-structured interviews with key informants who provided information on their personal responses to changing weather patterns. Small focus groups were an additional information source, enabling participants to share their experiences, and especially for farmers and their advisors, to discuss what sources of information they use regarding climate change and the risks it poses. Attachment to place is revealed as playing an important role in how rural inhabitants respond to heat and drought. This is especially true for farmers who are frequently members of communities of practice in which information about risks from various sources, including climate change, is shared. Farmers respond to these risks, not only based on their own knowledge of land management on their farm, but also through advice generated within a community of practice. This is distinct from information supplied by formal institutions such as State Government departments. Farmers' responses to risk are essentially short-term and directed at specific farm-based practices. Implications for the nature and source of information for farmers and rural communities are discussed with a simple model of information flows (or knowledge transfer) presented that incorporates both communities of practice and formal institutions. It is argued that greater scope should be given to valuing local knowledge, through more two-way flows of ideas and information involving farmers, their advisors, rural communities, and State and Federal government agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of South Australian Geographical Journal is the property of Exeley USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)