Methodological approach for measuring the socio-ecological systems qualification resilience: a case study in the Colombian Andes

Abstract

This study proposes a methodology to measure agroecological resilience in peasant farming systems, comparing forms of agroecological cultural systems (a) within the conventional cultural systems(c) in the central Colombian Andes. A technical team joint with farmers measured agroecological resilience indicators in agroecological and conventional properties. The selected indicators include: a) characterization of the climatic event (threat), b) level of vulnerability, c) the farmers capacity of response. This study showed that agroecological farms tend to exhibit a higher resilience capacity tan conventionally managed farms in the face of climates risks. The definition and the identification of this capacity highlight the potential risk management strategies used by farmers identifying their response and adaptation capacity. Peasants using alternative cultural treatments were able to deal resist and recover from extreme meteorological events, thus serving as models for nearby farmers who experience greater damage from climate change.