Social and Economic Implications of Climate Change for Adaptation in Rural Communities.

Climate change projections for the Tropics indicate a rise in temperatures, with mean temperatures for the Andean expected to increase between 4 to 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. Projections of extreme events for Andes indicate changes in the distribution of temperature and rainfall, and a reduction in retention of soil humidity. Engaging decision makers in understanding these changes, and developing adaptation strategies is key in this context. Uncertainty is increasing due to the lack of knowledge and the resources to address this change. In rural areas of the Tropics such as the Andes, markets and changing policies and institutions are often an added challenge.  The rural landscapes of the Andes show distinct patterns affecting the production systems, economic portfolios and the wellbeing of social and ecological systems.  Agricultural production and livelihood strategies in the Andean Altiplano are assessed in the context of present conditions, and more extreme future projections of climate change. Climate and markets are stressors in the management of natural resources, especially soils, in terms of intensity, reduced fallow, and degree of fertilization, changes in the diversity of crops farmed, and pest management.  We discuss the interactions between climate and markets, and the social institutions to develop adaptive capacity in the context of climate change. Focusing on soils, findings on perceptions, and about new technologies tested through participatory research in rural communities are discussed in the light of the changes required to develop climate resilient strategies. Drawing from participatory research experiences with organic amendments, and the effect on productivity and soils, and experience with research and knowledge sharing in rural communities, we discuss mechanism to understand vulnerability, the role of institutions, and the policy implications for adaptation with a special focus on soils.