Abstract ID: 3.9005 | Reviewing | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

This study examines the development of adaptive capacity (AC) in agricultural communities to mitigate climate change impacts and other crises. AC is the ability of a system to respond to exposure by withstanding or recovering. We conducted 60 qualitative interviews in three case study areas with both female and male members of agricultural communities. Using the Community Capitals Framework—which includes human, social, financial, physical, natural, cultural, and political capital—we identified key factors for AC and analyzed challenges and changes related to adaptation and transformation. We also examined the influence of gender on AC and transformation. The case studies focused on livestock farming and were selected based on criteria such as climate change exposure, mountainous location, certification related to grassland and rangeland farming, and knowledge transfer potential. The selected case studies were hay milk-producing communities in Tyrol, Austria; organic milk-producing communities in Grisons, Switzerland; and organic beef-producing communities in California, USA. Our analysis identified natural capital (e.g., land pressure, water availability) and financial capital (e.g., high risks, low product prices) as significant challenges for AC. Low supply chain integration was particularly challenging for non-certified communities. High AC was linked to strong human capital (e.g., access to knowledge and extension services) and social capital (e.g., cooperation, information exchange, safety nets). Cultural capital (e.g., attitudes towards climate change, past drought experiences, climate change denial, and the role of women in livestock farming) strongly influenced AC. Identity played a crucial role, as livestock operations often continued despite unprofitability due to farmers’ strong identification as ranchers/farmers and producers and a strong emotional connection to land. Challenges and changes to adaptation and transformation are closely tied to farmers’ core values (cultural capital). Entrepreneurial capital was found to be important for building AC and triggering transformation and was added to the CCF.