The role of institutions in the transformation of coping capacity to sustainable adaptive capacity

Berman, Rachel; Quinn, Claire H.; Paavola, Jouni

doi:10.1016/j.envdev.2012.03.017

Cited by 183 publications

(117 citation statements)

References 91 publications

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“…Despite a vigorous theoretical debate, there is as yet limited empirical evidence on the processes that can transform coping mechanisms into more forward-looking and proactive adaptation responses (Berman et al, 2012). However, knowledge or skills developed through learning activities associated with monitoring and evaluation have been identified as important stimuli in the transition from coping to transformation .…”

Section: Participatory Scenarios As Learning Toolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To respond to adverse conditions, communities typically employ short-term coping mechanisms that draw upon available skills and resources to help manage antagonistic situations whilst maintaining or restoring basic community functions (Berman et al, 2012). Rural populations are particularly likely to rely on coping mechanisms due to a frequent direct dependence on productivity of natural resources that are sensitive to changing conditions (e.g.…”

Section: Short-term Versus Long-term Responsesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Participatory scenario planning for developing innovation in community adaptation responses: three contrasting examples from Latin America

et al. 2016

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Abstract:Environmental change requires adaptive responses that are innovative, forward-looking and anticipatory, in order to meet goals for sustainability in socio-ecological systems. This implies transformative shifts in understanding as conceptualised by the idea of 'double'-or 'triple-loop learning'. Achieving this can be difficult as communities often rely on shorter-term coping mechanisms that purport to maintain the status quo. The use of participatory scenario planning to stimulate forward-looking social learning for adaptation was investigated through three contrasting community case studies on natural resource management in Latin America (in Mexico, Argentina and Colombia). Exploratory scenario narratives that synthesized local knowledge and future perceptions were used iteratively to define response options considered robust across multiple futures. Despite its intensive format, participants in each case agreed that scenario planning enabled a more systematic appraisal of the future. Scenarios facilitated innovation by providing scope to propose new types of responses and associated actions. Differences in local context meant that learning about future change developed in diverse ways, showing a need for a reflexive process. Reframing of key issues characteristic of double-loop learning did occur, albeit through different forms of interaction in each location. However, a shift towards transformative actions characteristic of triple-loop learning was less evident. Achieving this would appear to require ongoing use of scenarios to challenge social norms in light of changing drivers. Use of learning loops as a diagnostic to evaluate adaptive responses provided a useful reference framework although in practice both innovation and consolidative approaches can develop concurrently for responses to different issues.

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Section: Participatory Scenarios As Learning Toolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Short-term Versus Long-term Responsesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Participatory scenario planning for developing innovation in community adaptation responses: three contrasting examples from Latin America

et al. 2016

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“…Conversely, a vulnerable system is one in which state changes in climate variables threaten the viability of smallholder farms. While farmers may have some degree of coping capacity (for example, assets that may be depleted in a given year to overcome a climate shock), their adaptive capacity-their ability to adjust to and thrive in changing conditions-is what drives resilience in the longer run (e.g., Berman et al 2012).…”

Section: Importance Of Climate Change For Smallholder Farmersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate change adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers in the Brazilian Sertão

Burney

Cesano²,

Russell

et al. 2014

Climatic Change

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Climate models agree that semi-arid regions around the world are likely to experience increased rainfall variability and longer droughts in the coming decades. In regions dependent on agriculture, such changes threaten to aggravate existing food insecurity and economic underdevelopment, and to push migration to urban areas. In the Brazilian semi-arid region, the Sertão, farmers' vulnerability to climate-past, present, and future-stems from several factors, including low yielding production practices and reliance on scarce and seasonally variable water resources. Using interpolated local climate data, we show that, since 1962, in the Bacia do Jacuípe-one of the poorest regions in the Sertão of Bahía state-average temperatures have increased~2°C and rainfall has decreased~350 mm. Over the same time period, average milk productivity-the main rural economic activity in the county-has fallen while in Brazil and in Bahía as a whole milk productivity has increased dramatically. This paper teases apart the drivers of climate vulnerability of the Bacia do Jacuípe in relation to the rest of Bahía. We then present the results of a suite of pilot projects by Adapta Sertão, a coalition of organizations working to improve the adaptive capacity of farmers living in the semi-arid region. By testing a number of different technologies and arrangements at the farm level, Adapta Sertão has shown that interventions focused on balanced animal diets and efficient irrigation systems can help reduce (but not eliminate) the dependence of production systems

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“…Gaining a better understanding of the interactions between biodiversity and property rights and their expression in a multifunctional landscape can help drive reform (Berman, Quinn, & Paavola, 2012), and has already led to innovative collaborative institutions among landholders, scientists, and governments for deciding which landscape functions should be prioritized and protected and how (e.g. de Sainte Marie, 2014).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fit-for-Purpose Institutions? An Evaluation of Biodiversity Conservation in the Agricultural Landscape of the Tasmanian Midlands, Australia

Clément

Moore

Lockwood

et al. 2016

Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning

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Biodiversity loss is a globally significant problem. Institutional failure to halt this loss suggests current arrangements are not fit for the purpose of conserving biodiversity. The objective of this paper is to diagnose institutional fitness for conserving biodiversity in the Tasmanian Midlands of Australia, a 2 highly modified agricultural landscape with critically endangered biodiversity values. This paper presents and applies a novel diagnostic framework that adopts a broad view of institutional fit, drawing on concepts from adaptive governance, institutional theory, and public administration, and finds four areas of poor fit that can guide reform efforts. The first is a narrow framing of biodiversity objectives, leading to neglect of key social and ecological concerns. Second, the interplay of current arrangements fails to buffer key economic and political drivers, and compromises adaptive capacity. Third, limited government authority and embedded power relations raise questions about the effectiveness and fairness of current approaches. Finally, the reluctance of governments to devolve authority and decision--making powers to self--organizing networks constrains adaptation. This suite of fit problems constrains achievement of biodiversity conservation, particularly in dealing with landscape multifunctionality, the need to balance private landholder rights and responsibilities, and the need to consider how to respond to emerging novel and hybrid ecosystems.

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The role of institutions in the transformation of coping capacity to sustainable adaptive capacity

Cited by 183 publications

References 91 publications

Participatory scenario planning for developing innovation in community adaptation responses: three contrasting examples from Latin America

Participatory scenario planning for developing innovation in community adaptation responses: three contrasting examples from Latin America

Climate change adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers in the Brazilian Sertão

Fit-for-Purpose Institutions? An Evaluation of Biodiversity Conservation in the Agricultural Landscape of the Tasmanian Midlands, Australia

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