Resilience of organic and conventional farming systems against climate variability in Anolaima (Cundinamarca - Colombia)

Abstract

We studied the possibilities of cultural and ecosystemic resilience of six peasant farms (three organic and three conventional) in Anolaima, a small town in the Colombian Andes. The purposes of the study were: 1. Identify the biophysical and cultural characteristics of the local population and their agricultural systems. 2. Rate agricultural practices designed to resist, oppose and /or recover from potential climate change (degree of resilience). 3. Identify cultural factors (symbolic, social, economic, political and technological) that enhance, limit or explain the resilience of organic and conventional systems studied. The description of the biophysical and socioeconomic variables was obtained from review of secondary sources and field checks.The main Agroecologycal structure (EAP) of farms was calculated and a study in depth with 6 families was made, which consisted of individual interviews, surveys, visits, participant observation, guided tours and social mapping, supplemented by extended meetings with 30 additional farmers. The results show that organic farms have better conditions of EAP than conventional farms and generally, have greater resilience scores (between 2.98 and 3.91) than their conventional counterparts, none of which reaches at least 3.0 / 5.0. All farms are vulnerable in their geomorphological and soil characteristics (farms in mountainous areas with steep slopes and clay soils susceptible to mass movements) and economic and institutional issues.