Perception of the Vulnerability of Quilombola Farmers in Alcântara, Eastern Amazonia, Brazil

Abstract

AbstractThis study addresses the contextual vulnerability of farmers using participatory risk mapping with different stakeholders. Additionally, through logistic regression, it identifies factors that influence the perception of climate risk. The results indicate that the perception and relevance of stressors vary among different stakeholders, as well as among farmers of different genders and ages. Non-climatic stressors are more relevant to farmers’ livelihoods than climatic ones, although their interaction can exacerbate the impacts. Non-climate stressors identified in the past in the region continue to exacerbate communities’ vulnerability. The lack of technical assistance is the most serious stressor. The lack of land and the delayed rains are the most severe stressors. Farmers’ knowledge of climate change did not influence their perception of climate risks. Public climate adaptation policies should consider the local context, as well as the gender and age distributions of the public involved.Keywords: AdaptationBrazilclimate changeclimatic and non-climatic risksEnvironmental Hazards-Risks and Healthfood securitygenderglobal climate changelivelihoodsMaranhãoperception of naturerural and agricultural developmentslash-and-burnsocial indicators AcknowledgementsThank the farmers of the Quilombola communities in Alcântara. We are also grateful to the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) for the grant, to the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). We thank the field assistant Pablo Reis, the Union of Rural Workers, Farmers and Family Farmers of Alcântara (STTR/Alcântara), the Secretary of Family Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fishing and Food Supply (SEAPA), the municipal technician of Alcântara of the State Agency for Agricultural Research and Extension of Maranhão (AGERP), and Raymony Tayllon Serra for comments on the manuscript.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Data availability statementThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [J.A.M.G], upon reasonable request.Additional informationFundingPartial financial support was received from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) through the grant to J.A.M.G. The National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and for the Brazilian Center for Analysis and Planning (CEBRAP) and its Nucleus for Research and Analysis on the Environment, Development and Sustainability (CEBRAP Sustainability) in partnership with the Arymax Foundation, to the Tide Setubal Foundation and to the Humanize Institute through the project “Cátedra Itinerante Inclusão produtiva no Brasil rural e interiorano”.