Divergent adaptation to climate variability: A case study of pastoral and agricultural societies in Niger

Snorek, Julie, Renaud, Fabrice G. and Kloos, Julia, (2014). Divergent adaptation to climate variability: A case study of pastoral and agricultural societies in Niger. Global Environmental Change, 29 371-386

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  • Sub-type Journal article
    Author Snorek, Julie
    Renaud, Fabrice G.
    Kloos, Julia
    Title Divergent adaptation to climate variability: A case study of pastoral and agricultural societies in Niger
    Appearing in Global Environmental Change
    Volume 29
    Publication Date 2014-11
    Place of Publication Philadelphia
    Publisher Elsevier
    Start page 371
    End page 386
    Language eng
    Abstract Adaptation is a complex, dynamic, and sometimes unequal process. Stemming from social ecological systems theories of climate change adaptation and adaptive capacity, this case study introduces the concept of ‘divergent’ adaptation. Adaptation is divergent when one user or group's adaptation causes a subsequent reduction in another user or group's adaptive capacity in the same ecosystem. Using the example of pastoral and agricultural groups in northern and southern rainfall zones of Niger, this study illustrates the concept of divergent adaptation by identifying changes to the adaptive capacity of users who are currently engaged in conflicts over access to natural resources. Similar to other studies, we find that expansion of farmland and the consequent loss of pastoral space are restricting pastoral adaptation. Divergent adaptations favoring agricultural livelihoods include cultivating near or around pastoral wells or within pastoral corridors, both of which limit the mobility and entitlements of pastoralists. Institutions rarely secure pastoral routes and access to water points, a problem that is compounded by conflicting modes of governance, low accountability, and corruption. The case study illustrates the need to enhance the adaptive capacity of multiple user groups to reduce conflict, enhance human security, and promote overall resilience.
    Keyword Divergent adaptation
    Adaptive capacity
    Climate variability
    Niger
    Pastoralist
    Agro-pastoralist
    Copyright Holder Elsevier
    Copyright Year 2014
    Copyright type All rights reserved
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    Created: Tue, 26 May 2015, 18:49:30 JST