Diversification for climate change resilience: Participatory assessment of opportunities for diversifying agroecosystems

Abstract

This guidebook presents an assessment method to identify opportunities for diversifying agroecosystems to strengthen climate change resilience. The assessment draws on participatory research approaches to describe local agrobiodiversity and support its conservation and revival. The assessment can be conducted with large or small groups of farmers to understand the effects of climate change, assess local diversity and management practices, and explore diversification options.
Opportunities for diversification are identified based on an analysis of gaps in the farm portfolio and recognition of species, varieties, breeds, landscape features, and management practices that support resilience. The assessment is simple by design to be accessible to farmers and “non-experts”, who can adapt and apply the method independently or with supporting NGOs, extension agents, or development actors.
In this guidebook, the diversification assessment method is presented along with results and reflections from the pilot sites. The assessment was piloted in 2017 with communities in Guatemala, India, and Mali. Examples from the pilot sites presented throughout the guidebook illustrate how each step is conducted in practice and the type of information and conclusions that can be drawn from the results. We hope that this guidebook will support community efforts to diversify their fields, farms, and landscapes for improved resilience.