Future Farmer Narratives

For one and a half years, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is disrupting (local) food systems. Additionally, our local project partners have to deal with climate crisis-related threats and anthropogenic pressures. Heavy rainfalls in Loma Bonita cause inundations and harvest loss. In Santo Domingo Tomaltepec, agricultural production is decreasing because of prolonged drought periods. In Xochimilco, the local chinamperos encounter water pollution and illegal settlements which are threatening agricultural production.

Yet, the local farmers also developed strategies to adapt to adverse environmental impacts and the pandemic crisis. However, the impact and perception of disturbances vary among farmer households. In order to discuss farmers’ experiences to adapt successfully to changes in the local food system as well as to identify unresolved challenges, we organized participatory workshops (relatos futuros). Together with the local farmers, we built collective concept maps that show how COVID-19 and other disturbances disrupt the local food system. The concept maps were a useful tool to promote local farmers’ understanding of the complexity and challenges they are facing and to determine potential adaptation strategies.

As a next step data will be analyzed and modeled. The results will be used for communicating local adaptation strategies and to prioritize project activities that foster more resilient food systems at each project site.

Initiated by Claudia Heindorf

In collaboration with producers of Loma Bonita, Santo Domingo Tomaltepec and Xochimilco, as well as civil organizations in Xochimilco, Elizabeth Guerrero and Mariana Martínez.