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Rust and the eye of the rooster in a changing climate : building farm-level capacities in Los Santos, Costa Rica

Nelson, Michael LU (2013) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM01 20131
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Coffee production systems are experiencing climate change stress in a multitude of ways. One of the ways in which climate change manifests itself in coffee systems is through the evolution of pest and disease populations. Global coffee production is thereby recognized as vulnerable to climate change, particularly the lives of those that rely on coffee for their livelihoods. Reducing vulnerability and increasing social ecological resilience requires sufficient adaptive capacities that enable proactive climate change response. The research presented in this thesis assesses the vulnerability of smallholder coffee growers to disease stress in the Los Santos growing region of Costa Rica. Through a case study it analyzes the exposure,... (More)
Coffee production systems are experiencing climate change stress in a multitude of ways. One of the ways in which climate change manifests itself in coffee systems is through the evolution of pest and disease populations. Global coffee production is thereby recognized as vulnerable to climate change, particularly the lives of those that rely on coffee for their livelihoods. Reducing vulnerability and increasing social ecological resilience requires sufficient adaptive capacities that enable proactive climate change response. The research presented in this thesis assesses the vulnerability of smallholder coffee growers to disease stress in the Los Santos growing region of Costa Rica. Through a case study it analyzes the exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacities of the growers to ojo de gallo (Mycena citricolor) and coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix). Furthermore, the study examines adaptation options for growers and suggests that knowledge systems are integral for capacity building. Grounded in critical realism, my research utilizes a mixed methods approach for gathering and interpreting questionnaire data. Results show a dichotomy of growers exposed and unexposed to coffee diseases. Used as a theoretical and analytical tool, a modified vulnerability scoping diagram (VSD) reveals possible reduction of vulnerability and enhancement of resilience by farming strategies such as shade and pruning strategies. Power dynamics and lack of connection between the Instituto de Café (ICAFE) and the smallholder coffee growers of Los Santos prevent effective knowledge diffusion of adequate farming strategies. In order to ease the tension between the research and practice interface, knowledge systems in Los Santos require boundary work by the coffee exporters. A micro mill exporter exemplifies how boundary work between research bodies and practitioners can build capacities by bridging the knowledge to action gap and addressing inherent power dynamics of the knowledge system with participatory processes, accountability mechanisms, and through the creation of boundary objects. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Nelson, Michael LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM01 20131
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
knowledge system, micro mill, exporter, adaptive capacity, vulnerability, boundary organization, sustainability science
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2013:009
language
English
id
3812925
date added to LUP
2013-06-14 13:19:28
date last changed
2013-06-19 14:15:14
@misc{3812925,
  abstract     = {{Coffee production systems are experiencing climate change stress in a multitude of ways. One of the ways in which climate change manifests itself in coffee systems is through the evolution of pest and disease populations. Global coffee production is thereby recognized as vulnerable to climate change, particularly the lives of those that rely on coffee for their livelihoods. Reducing vulnerability and increasing social ecological resilience requires sufficient adaptive capacities that enable proactive climate change response. The research presented in this thesis assesses the vulnerability of smallholder coffee growers to disease stress in the Los Santos growing region of Costa Rica. Through a case study it analyzes the exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacities of the growers to ojo de gallo (Mycena citricolor) and coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix). Furthermore, the study examines adaptation options for growers and suggests that knowledge systems are integral for capacity building. Grounded in critical realism, my research utilizes a mixed methods approach for gathering and interpreting questionnaire data. Results show a dichotomy of growers exposed and unexposed to coffee diseases. Used as a theoretical and analytical tool, a modified vulnerability scoping diagram (VSD) reveals possible reduction of vulnerability and enhancement of resilience by farming strategies such as shade and pruning strategies. Power dynamics and lack of connection between the Instituto de Café (ICAFE) and the smallholder coffee growers of Los Santos prevent effective knowledge diffusion of adequate farming strategies. In order to ease the tension between the research and practice interface, knowledge systems in Los Santos require boundary work by the coffee exporters. A micro mill exporter exemplifies how boundary work between research bodies and practitioners can build capacities by bridging the knowledge to action gap and addressing inherent power dynamics of the knowledge system with participatory processes, accountability mechanisms, and through the creation of boundary objects.}},
  author       = {{Nelson, Michael}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Rust and the eye of the rooster in a changing climate : building farm-level capacities in Los Santos, Costa Rica}},
  year         = {{2013}},
}