Perceived Weather Anomalies and Climate Change:

Community Based Adaptation Practices in Sustaining

Natural Resources and Livelihoods by Tribal Communities

of Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya

Ranjay K. Singh & Arun AgrawalIFRI, SNRE, UM, MI, USA

Email:ranjaysingh74@gmail.com

Objectives of study

1. To assess the people’s perception and knowledge onweather anomalies and climate change among Adi(living in subtropical ecosystem) and Monpa (living insub-temperate to temperate ecosystems) communities,and

2. 2. To explore traditional knowledge led communitybased adaptation practices of Adi and Monpacommunities.

Known floral biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh

Only known plant

speciesNo. of species

Rhododendrons 52

Hedychium species 18

Oaks 16

Gymnosperms 29

Bamboo 35

Canes 20

Orchids 550

Medicinal plants 500

Pteridophytes 452

Bryophytes 60

Lichens 80

Source: Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan,State Forest Research Institute, 2002. Statistical Report- 1999-2000,Department of Environment and Forest, Arunachal Pradesh.S

tate

is f

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or

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Ecosystems and ethnic diversity► Tropical: About 22.0 %► Sub-tropical: About 42.0%► Temperate: About 12.0 %► Sub-temperate: About 18.0 %► Alpine: About 6.0 %

Interactions with

nature (opportunity)

26 tribes 110 ethnic groups

Dependence on NR

Remote located

(Constraints)

Compulsive

location

specific

learning

& knowledge

Diversity in

biocultural

knowledge

Basic foundation for

subsistence living and

conserving biodiversity

Livelihoods & food

security

Rich in knowledge

& ecological ethicsPoor in economys

Research Methodology

► State: Arunachal Pradesh (eastern Himalaya)► Districts: East Siang and West Kameng► Community: Adi and Monpa► Sampling procedure: Purposive and random both► No of villages: 22 of Adi, 7 of Monpa► No of sample: 660 Adi and 252 MonpaMethod of data collection:1. Personal interview2. FGDs3. Village workshops (600 members with mean 21)4. Participant observations5. Case study method6. Regional and national seminars for social verification and SWOT analysisApproach: Exploratory research design with qualitative and quantitative data-

set

Study areas

Results: Community perception about weather anomalies andclimate change

A B C D E F G H I JAdi 85.21 68.9 89.4 79.5 85.6 55.25 49.8 55.3 72.9 28.4Monpa 92.3 58.3 78.2 68.2 91.6 69.3 54.2 51.3 79.6 21.7

0

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A= Normal rainfall has declined over last 15-20 yearsB= Onset of rainfall has become lateC= Onset of rainfall has become erraticD= Effective rains period became unpredictableE= Weather has become warmer F= Duration of cold is decreasedG= Snowfall at the mountain peaks are decreasedH= Frequency of storms are increasedI= Seasonal changes and inter-annual variationsJ= There is no change in weather or climate

Perception of Monpa and Adi communities about causes of

weather anomalies and perceived climate change

A= Destruction of ecology through commercial cropsB= Dishonoring mountain and community forest resourcesC= Erosion of eco-cultural ethics among younger generationD= Inappropriate government policies E= Materialistic culture which cause harm to natureF= Privatization of communal resourcesG= Opting homogenous livelihood options instead of diversified H= Polluting sacred mountain (Lu, Mani, etc.) and sacred forestsI= Replacing traditional ways of people survival strategies

A B C D E F G H IAdi 64.1 69.2 85.4 52.6 56.9 40.2 69.8 38.4 71.9Monpa 57.3 72.5 78.9 41.2 78.3 57.6 86.7 61.3 90.4

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Ecological changes to landscape observed by communities

Aspects of ecological changes Adi MonpaMore hazardous events caused in poor fertility of soilsdue to either drought or heavy rains

76.4 68.8

Frequent land slide due to excessive rains in few hours 79.3 70.4Frequent land slide causing to make agricultural forestfields more labor demanding job

89.4 78.6

Frequent land slide posing threats to local flora andfauna

48.4 42.9

Community rivers and regional rivers have become moredevastating

65.8 59.3

The aquatic biodiversity are declining due to rapidcourse changes and silts in rivers and lakes

44.3 38.9

Some of keystone species used in food andethnomedicinal webs are at threat (like Gymnocladus

assamicus, G. Burmanicus, Cordyceps sinensis and

Aconiume ferox

65.9 42.7

Grazing lands are become unproductive gradually 39.4 78.9* Multiple response percentage

Perception of hunters about hunting in weather anomalies&extreme conditions

Perception Adi Monpa

During excessive rain/flood, some animals change their natural track in forest

75.3 63.2

During excessive rain/flood, the trained dogs team get more trouble and problem in forest to chase animals

84.5 69.4

It’s risky during the excessive rain to have hunting 96.4 86.1

Problem of setting hunting points in the forest 89.3 77.5Landslide blocks path of migration of animals, sometimes could cause accidents to hunters

62.8 43.8

Dynamics of grazing and habitation ground of wild animals during droughtperiod gets disturbed

79.6 55.8

Need to spent more time and energy for planning and hunting of animals 86.8 50.5Elders cannot become part of hunting team during excessive rain- who are master of hunting strategy

70.2 65.3

Due to lack of elders’ participation, the amount of hunts from forest become meager

66.8 59.3

* Multiple response percentage

Perceived compounded social and climatic changes:

Impact on biodiversity, food systems and livelihoods

Perceived social and climatic changes and its impact on:1.Threats to culture loss2.Threats to biocultural diversity (knowledge and languageloss)3.Threats to loss of indigenous institutions (e.g. Dere)4.Negative effects on the natural resource and traditionallivelihoods5.Ecosystems’ degradation:- important for hunting, gathering,fishing, herding, bartering, etc.6.Threat to local hydrology7.Increased vulnerability to drought, flood, weather anomalies8.Shortages of food, fuel or water, which in turn promptsmigration away from traditional lands

Kebung: Ratufa sp.

Compounded impact on biocultural

resources

1. Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax)2. Dekang (Gymnocladus burmanicus3. Emo (Aconite ferox)4. Kebungs (Five species of Ratufa)5. Ngopi and other indigenous fishes

Perceived compounded social and climatic changes: Impact on

biodiversity, food systems and livelihoods

Social and cultural changes

► Changes in food habit► Changes in hunting system► Changes in food cultivation and gathering

systems► Changes in conservation practices of

biocultural resources (traditional fermentation of bamboo shoots in forest’s water stream)

► Changes in learning institutions (nuclear family, loss of Dere)

Climate change impact on cultural food diversity

► Exploring experiences and ground truth aboutclimate change impact on cultural foods

Examples: We found changes in fermented foods► Exposure to UV for 5 min indicated maximum

reduction of yeast population (up to 47%) anddrastically affected the colony characters innamdung (Pyrilla ocimoides) and ngosing(ngopi – indigenous fish base) among thefermented food products.

► Yeast despite its mesophilic nature positivelyresponded to low temperature but exhibitedpopulation decline to a greater degree whenexposed to UV ray for 5 and 15 min in namdungand ngosing.

Community based adaptation strategies of Monpa & Adi

communities to cope-up with extreme weather & sustain

livelihoods

Perception Adi Monpa

Forming group (Reglep among Adi tribe and Mila among Monpa tribe) to maketraditional dresses for sale and income generation

91.2 84.5

Collective collection of plant resources from morang (community forest) andhomegardens (cane, bamboo and creepers) for making handicrafts for sale andincome generation

89.5 78.4

Collective food processing from surplus food resources preserved in last season toadd traditional values and sale in local market for income

76.9 70.5

Collective harvesting and collection of ethnobotanicals from community forest andhomegardens to sale in local market and share the benefits

69.8 74.5

Forming self help groups and establishing micro-enterprises (making bambooshoots, pickle from forest products) and earnings

80.2 76.8

Forming self help groups and collective purchasing of culturally important itemssuch as cloths, handicrafts, beads, etc. and selling for collective income

67.8 59.8

Forming Reglep/Mila and collective raring of chickens, ducks and pigs for selffoods and selling for income

59.3 55.8

Forming Reglep/Mila to have barter system to exchange foods and otherculturally important items for promoting livelihoods

68.5 72.5

* Multiple response percentage

TK led CBAPs cropping systems among Adi and Monpa tribesS. N. Traditional knowledge and adaptation practices of farming systems Adaptive %

Adi Monpa

1.0 Relay cropping systems1.1 Phaphda (Fagopyrum esculentum) followed by maize 00.0 95.0

1.2 Maize followed by paddy 48.0 00.0

2.0 Micro-ecosystem based cropping systems:2.1 Barley + field pea; wheat + field pea 00.0 85.5

2.2 Finger millet (Elcusine coracocna) + amaranthus species + field pea 00.0 57.8

2.3 Finger millet in selective patches 44.1 52.3

2.4 Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) in selective patches 38.2 47.2

2.3 Soybean + maize + cucurbit crops 00.0 48.5

2.4 Low land paddy followed by maize crop 00.0 30.5

2.5 Rainfed rice (in jhum field)* + beans + cucurbit crops + ethnobotanicals; rainfed rice + beans + beans 85.5 00.0

2.6 Rainfed rice (in jhum field) + soybean + solanaceous species + ethnobotanicals 82.8 00.0

2.7 Low land paddy 45.8 00.0

3.0 Micro ecosystem based inter-cropping:3.1 Bathua (Chenapodeum album) with phaphda 00.0 45.5

3.2 Phaphda with rajma bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and or field pea in gravelly and sloppy soils 00.0 50.5

4.0 Planting living fence species on crops’ boundary to avoid soil and water erosions:

4.1 Ogjok (Bauhinia variegata), bamboo species and toko-patta (Levistona jenkisiana) and citrus species 90.7 00.0

4.2 Timbur (Zanthoxylum americanum), bamboo species, local peach, plum and almond on crops’ boundary to avoid soiland water erosions

00.0 72.5

5.0 Traditional organic practices of crop and pest and disease management practices which are ecologically viable andeconomically feasible

95.2 96.6

6.0 Adding more organic matter in soil and applying mulch 79.6 98.5

7.0 Intercropping with perennial woody tree species in between the crops 70.8 12.5

8.0 Maintaining community seed banks of indigenous crops species and varieties9.0 Selection of patches in land slopes according to nature of crops and their demand in relation to moisture and fertility

gradient925.9 85.7

10.0 Maintaining traditional water harvesting methods and sustain watershed in mountains 71.4 75.7

11.0 Using bamboo and wood made traditional agricultural tools and ensuring less exposure of soil to water and wind erosion 95.5 92.9

Adaptive diversified farming systems of Adi and Monpacommunities

Components of diversified farming systems Adi Monpa

Crops with piggery, yak (Bos …), sheep and poultry 70.3 00.0Crops with piggery, mithun (Bos frontalis), poultry, and duck 00.0 85.4Agriculture + horticulture- one (growing crops along withindigenous fruits species)

50.4 55.4

Agriculture + horticulture- two (growing crops along withindigenous species of vegetables

65.9 79.8

Agriculture + microenterprise with silkworm raring 38.4 00.0Agriculture + traditional weaving of cloths 85.4 55.5Agriculture + marketing of wild resources 45.8 25.7Agriculture + traditional hunting 40.5 20.4Agriculture + laboring 07.0 30.2Agriculture + traditional fishing 35.7 10.4Agriculture + making handicrafts 65.8 35.6Agriculture + making fishing net and tools (using indigenousplant species

12.6 03.8

* Multiple response percentage

Non-agricultural wild products used in food systems: Local

marketing by Adi women during normal & extreme climateIngredient/Food Availability in local

market

Peak

availability

Mean price (in Rs ) per Kg

Normal weather/

climate

Abnormal

weather/climate

A. Processed plant products

E-kung (fermented bamboo shoot, fresh) Year round Aug – Sept 42.5±2.9 66.7±4.6

E-peng (fermented bamboo shoot, sliced fresh) Year round Aug – Sept 34.6±1.8 56.5±4.7

E-yup (fermented bamboo shoot, dried) Year round Sept – Oct 62.7±3.8 84.8±3.9

Peron-namsing (fermented soybean) Year round Jan – Feb 41.9±2.9 54.6±3.1

B. Processed animals prodcuts

Ega-tapum (silk worm) May – July April – May 120.8±2.9 205.0±4.5

Engo (smoked fish) Year round June – July 252.4±2.5 404.80±5.4

Kebung (smoked squirrel) Jan – April March – April 250.5.0±4.5 350.4±5.8

Ngotar (sun dried fish) Year round April – May 150.8±3.7 305.6±3.9

Pumnger (caterpillars of Delonix sp.) May – Aug May – June 42.8±3.2 65.5±3.8

Tari (Aspongopus najus) Dec-Feb Nov – Dec 60.6±4.2 124.8±4.0

Tasum (smoked prawn) Year round June – July 82.0±4.7 154.5±5.9

C. Vegetables

Akshap (Mussenda roxburghii) Year round May-Sep 43.0±3.5 64.6±4.2

Bangko (Solanam spirale) Year round May-Sep 45.0±2.7 75.60±3.8

Dhekia saag (Diplazium esculentum) May-July June-July 55.4±3.0 85.4±4.5

Gam oying (Glochidion multilocular) April-Aug May-July 44.5±3.9 69.8±3.9

Kopii (Solanum torvum) April-Sep May-July 60.5±1.9 84.7±5.4

Kopiir (Solanum khasianum) April-Sep May-July 62.8±2.7 92.7±6.2

Marsang (Spilanthes acmella) Year round March – April 35.5±4.0 59.4±2.1

Onger (Zanthoxylum rhetsa) Year round April – May 65.6±3.0 90.4±1.9

Ongin (Clerodendrum colebrookianum) Year round Nov – Dec 61.8±4.2 85.9±3.3

Tapar (indigenous mushroom) April– July June – July 22.3±3.8 34.5±3.7

Tapil (Phoebe cooperians) Sept – Oct Sept – Oct 65.4±4.1 119.4±4.5

D. Fruits

Tadar (Nephelium lappaceum) May – June May – June 52.7±3.0 74.6±4.2

Anke (Castanopsis kurzii) July – Aug July – Aug 63.5±2.0 104.5±6.0

Sirang (Castanopsis indica) July – Aug July – Aug 60.0±1.8 119.5±3.5

Bureng (Quercus latifolia) July – Sept July – Aug 35.0±1.9 64.6±5.8

Belang (Artocarpus heterophyllus) May-Sep June-July 20.4±2.5 35.8±3.7

Av. 20 %

change in

market

price

Classical examples of CBAPs

► Community based paisang (Quercus griffithii) grove and ecosystem conservation for crops and livelihood continuation (Monpa tribe)

► Community based forest conservation management (Adi tribe)

► Collective cultivation of crops (Monpa tribe)

Indigenous agrobiodiversity in adaptation: Monpa tribeLocal name Botanical name Special attributes

Ada Zingiber officinale Grown with least use of waterAmaranthus Amaranthus caudatus Grown without waterBathua Chenopodium album Grown without waterBong with awns Hordeum vulgare Drought tolerantBong without awns

Hordeum vulgare Drought and disease tolerant

Broomsa peela Cucurbita moschata Disease tolerant and cultivated with least use of waterBroomsa saphed Benincasa hispida Disease tolerant and cultivated with least use of waterBundagmo bada Panicum psilopodium var.

coloratumDrought and disease tolerant

Bundagmo chhota Panicum psilopodium var. psilopodium

Drought and disease tolerant

Chong Allium cepa Disease tolerant and can be cultivated with least use of water

Chukandar Beta vulgaris Disease tolerant and can be cultivated with lest use of water

Haldi Curcuma longa Disease tolerant and can be cultivated with least use of water

Kaibandu Cucurbitaceous vegetable Drought tolerantKatili chaulai Amaranthus spinosus Drought tolerantLai Saag Brassica sp. Disease tolerant and can be cultivated with least use of

waterLal saag Amaranthus tricolor Drought and disease tolerantLau Lagenaria siceraria Drought and disease tolerantLee bada Glycine max Drought and disease tolerantLee choota Glycine max Drought and disease tolerantLeme Brassica sp. Disease tolerant and can be cultivated with least use of

waterLocal gehun Triticum aestivum Drought and disease tolerant

Continued……Mandua Elcusine coracocna Drought and disease tolerantMann bada Allium sp. Disease tolerant and can be cultivated with

lest use of waterMann Chhota Allium sp. Disease tolerant and can be cultivated with

least use of waterManthong Cucumis sativus Drought and disease tolerantMatar Pisum sativum Drought and disease tolerantMongoicha Solanum nigrum Drought tolerantMonpa lehsun lamm

Drought and disease tolerant

Penche Brassica sp. Disease tolerant and can be cultivated with least use of water

Phaphda meetha Polygonum fagopyrum Drought and disease tolerantPhaphda teeta Polygonum fagopyrum Drought and disease tolerantRajma Phaseolus vulgaris Drought and disease tolerantSakarkand Ipomoea batatas Drought and disease tolerantSem Lablab purpureus Drought and disease tolerantSolu Capsicum sp. Drought and disease tolerantSuran Amorphophallus

campanulatusDrought and disease tolerant

Taktak Spinacia oleracea Disease tolerant and can be cultivated with least use of water

Tamatar Solanum lycopersicum Drought and disease tolerantTimbur Zanthoxylum

americanumDrought and disease tolerant

Ush Coriandrum sativum Disease tolerant and can be cultivated with least use of water

Gender perspective of adaptation

35 4520 15

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MenWomen

Generation perspective in adaptation

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YoungMiddle agedOld

Age groups: Total women 492; Young (n= 130) = 25-40 yrs, middle aged ((n= 195) = 41-56 yrs and old aged (n= 167) = 57 and aboveA= Increasing more rainfed crops in jhum landB= Domestication of wild plant resources in homegardenC= Diversifying food resources from various ecosystemsD= Preservation of surplus food resources through traditional practicesE= Strengthening bond with informal social institutions for sharing food resourcesF= Sharing of food and related biocultural information through barter systemG= Collective responsibilities and plan to bear risk in collection and storage of food resourcesH= Individual and collective conservation of seeds of plants for maintaining stock to grow next yearI= More fishing in community riverJ= Asking males of family to hunt more meat from community forest for preservationK= More harvesting of ethnobotanicals and food resources from community forestL= Increase percentage on less preferred food resourcesM= Teaching to young family members for sustainable use of food resourcesN= Contingency and long-term planning (at least for 6 months) for managing risk of foods

SWOT dimension of community based adaptation

practices (CBAPs)

Strengths

1. Most of CBAPs are ecologically feasible2. Most of CBAPs are economically viable3. Most of CBAPs are sustainable4. Compatible to social system5. Compatible to current environmental risk

Weaknesses

1. Highly micro-ecosystem specific2. Highly social system specific3. More gender specific4. Few CBAPs have less risk bearing capacity

Threats1. In projected high changes, few CBAPswill be vanished2. The populations living in sub-temperateand temperate ecosystems are morevulnerable3. Exclusively depend livelihoods will bemore vulnerable4. ABAPs related biodiversity will behighly threatened

Opportunities

1. Insights & developing scientific technology based on CBAPs2. Refinement and validation in few CBAP3. Transfer of CBAPs in similar other system where it does not exist4. Collaborations with formal sciences

(-)I

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(-) Ease/difficult of observation (+)

(Influenced by internal and external factors)

Typology of Knowledge Systems for Conservation and use in

Adaptation

► Community knowledge► Private/ individual knowledge► Group knowledge► Refined knowledge*

► Changes in these knowledge systems due to social and climatic factors

► Screening of best practices having potential to apply/being applied in climate change adaptation

* For knowing details of knowledge typology, see Singh et al. 2010

Conclusion► Communities are aware about the weather anomalies and climate changes.► Community define climatic variability through correlating historical facts and types of problems correlated with

environment, ecology and local livelihoods.► They define and perceive climatic variability or anomalies through the notations and experiences on plants and

animal behaviors.► Women got more knowledge and skill to develop community based adaptive practices than men through various

social, ecological and institutional processes.► Adaptation practices vary from one social system to another based on types of microecosystems and typology of

environmental risks.► Not necessarily all the adaptive practices are able and would be applicable to cope-up with high environmental

risks, however, few adaptive practices got logically considerable capacity such as use of paisang tree leaves,cultivating rainfed crops species and varieties, and using plant and animals species from varying ecosystem forfood security.

► These adaptations may be strengthened and promoted.► The community forest could be a part of REDD+ with proper incentives and monitoring with community

members► The sound practices and social capitals of community can be used in future adaptations planning and policies on

climate change.► Moreover, community based adaptive practices specially shown in case studies provide lessons and insights to

scientists for future work (Weatherhead et al. 2010) ) on those practices for their refinement, up-gradation,quantifications , and more importantly collaborations between scientists and local communities to work inparticipatory mode in ethical manner (Pearce et al., 2009).

► This is required for not only for coping-up future environmental risks but inclusive sustainable development too.► Climate change is also a social, economic and cultural phenomenon, and to have sustainable adaptations, the

perception, experiences and local knowledge of communities are much relevant depending upon their strengthand capacity to deal with types of climatic problems .

Acknowledgments

► Entire community members of Adi and Monpa tribes► Fulbright Commission, New Delhi and Washington DC to bring

me at University of Michigan► Prof Arun Agrawal and SNRE, UM for his technical and logistic

supports► University of Michigan to hosting me here for 4 months as

Fulbright Fellow► Audience to listen my talk

Thanks

Dr Joséphine NADINGA/YAMEOGO. Agroecologist. CNRST/INERA/DPF

Dr Mamounata BELEM/OUEDRAOGO. Ethnobotaniste CNRST/INERA/DPF

BURKINA FASO

Dr Marie Claire MILLOGO. Sociologist. Ministry of Women Promotion. BURKINA

FASO

Mr Abdoul Karim OUEDRAOGO. Botanist. CNRST/INERA/DPF. BURKINA FASO

Women in the National Program for AdaptationActions to Climate Change in the villagesbordering the Biosphere Reserve of HipposPool in Burkina Faso, West Africa

PLAN

INTRODUCTION

THE SITE OF STUDY

MATERIAL & METHODS

RESULTS-DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTIONBurkina Faso has experienced major droughts, especially in 1965-1966, from 1972 -1974, 1981-1984, 1986-1987, in 1991-1992 and 1994-1995 (WMO, 1995; USHER, 1997).

These recurrent climatic crises led to an awakening of consciousness aboutvulnerability and adaptation to climate change. More than a dozen policydocuments and sectoral strategies were written and adopted officiallybetween 1995 and 2004 for the national resources management (CSLP, 2000;CONAGESE, 2001; PAGIRE, 2003; NAPA, 2007)

The world’s poor people are disproportionaly vulnerable to climate variability and change effects (Ribot et al., 2009)

Women have been identified among the most vulnerable groups and they are an essential link in the actors chain in the NAPA/Burkina Faso (NAPA, 2007). They are not passive but acting according to the recommendations of the NAPA. Sometimes indigenous people have knowledge which is not known and valued

Thus the present study has been initiated with the UNESCO-MAB financial support to attend the following objectives

Global objectiveTo examine the importance and

contribution of women in the implementation of NAPA, its recommendations in three

main sectors which are forestry, health, food safety

Specific Objective 3To identify actions for

food safety and poverty reduction

SpecificObjective 1To identify

women action in the

reduction of entropic

pressure on woody species

Specific Objective 2to identify the assets of local women in the

plants uses to treat diseases related to

climate change

OBJECTIVES

Western Burkina Faso :

between 11 ° 30 'and 11 °45' N and 04 ° 05 'and 04

° 12'W

19 200 ha with a relative

permanent pool of 660

ha.

South Sudanese Climate

(1000-1200 mm)

Great diversity of

landscapes and

environments

Bala, Bossora, Tiérako,

Sokourani, Padéma, Fina

Localization of the BRHP

THE SITE OF STUDY

Surveys: PAPoLD + Individual interviews + fields observation

The PAPoLD (Participatory Analysis of Poverty and Livelihood

Dynamics) was developed to analyze the dynamics of the farmers

socioeconomic status ie versus time (ICRAF, 2005)

This method is a tool for assessing the socioeconomic

conditions of farmers after an event related to climate change

More than 50% of women were interviewed in each village

Severity Index (NAPA, 2007): SI = 1 + (r-1) / (n-1)

r = rank of the shock in order of importance according to the

participant

n = total number of shocks listed by the participant

MATERIAL & METHODS

Nº Shocks felt according to women Severity01 Drought 1.202 Degradation of vegetation 1.203 Poverty 1.104 Early drying up of the rivers 1.3

05 Famine 1.406 Important temperature variation 1.307 Resurgence of diseases 1.408 Medicinal plant disappearance 1.409 Difficulties in wood access 1.510 Decrease of agricultural diversification 1.5

11 Bad distribution of rainfall 1.312 Decrease of soil fertility 1.513 Weakening of social cohesion 1.714 Decrease of fisheries 1.415 Violent winds 1.416 Animal mortalities 1.417 Human mortalities 1.618 Degradation of the river banks 1.419 Occurrence of predator insects of crops 1.5

RESULTS - DISCUSSION

Climate Change shocks according to Women at the BRHP

Group I : The most severe shocks .1<S<1.3

Group II : The mean severe shocks1.4<S<1.5

Group III : The less severe shocks1.6<S<2

These shocks are being experiencedacross Burkina Faso where actually,the temperatures can increase to morethan 42ºC. The projections give for thewhole country, an increase in averagetemperatures by 0.8 ° C by 2025 and1.7 ° C by 2050. The temperatureincreases are coupled with seasonalvariation, the months of December,January, August and September,becoming significantly warmer thanusual while the months of Novemberand March experience small increasesin heat (NAPA, 2007). About povertywomen are the most vulnerable (CSLP,2000).

N° Species Site of restorationAgfparklands

Forest/riverbanks

01 Adansonia digitata X02 Afzelia africana X X03 Anogeissus leiocarpus X X04 Bombax costatum X05 Ceiba pentandra X06 Cola cordifolia X07 Detarium microcarpum X X08 Elaeis guineensis X09 D. mespiliformis X10 Khaya senegalensis X11 Lannea microcarpa X12 Maerua angolensis X13 Paullinia pinnata X14 Parkia biglobosa X15 Piliostigma reticulatum X X16 Saba senegalensis X17 Sclerocarya birre X18 Strychnos spinosa X X19 Tamarindus indica X20 Vitellaria paradoxa X

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Method of restoration

ROLES OF WOMEN IN THE PLANT HERITAGE RENEWAL

The women of the RBMH chose to restore parkland.The conservation of parkland biodiversity reduce human pressure in the forests (ICRAF, 2004; Abbeg et al., 2005)Prioritization of multi-purpose timber is based on age, sex and nutritional habits (Belem et

al., 1996).

Adaptation to diseases related to climate variability and change

Childhood and maternal diseases : Edema, diarrhea, skin diseases, emaciation, stomach aches after childbirth, purification of the genital tract of women after childbirth

Diseases related to winds and high temperatures: Meninges, measles, eyes ache, yellow fever

Diseases related to winds and low temperatures: cold, cough, asthma, bronchitis, flu

Disease Plant species Local name Part used Disposition

Edema Parkia biglobosa Noù Leaves Bath with the decoction

Drink

Diarrhea Faidherbia albida

Saba senegalensis

Bakané Cloves ou Barks

Immatur fruits

Pound the cloves ;

Concentrated in water

for 15 mn ;

Drink the substance

Pound the cloves ;

Concentrated in water

for 15 mn ;Drink the

substance

Skin diseases Securidaga

longepedonculata

Siessa Leaves Take bath and drink the

decoction

Adaptatation to childhood and maternal diseases

What is important to note is that each phase of climate change is accompanied by a variety of illnesses and rural populations are at the forefront by their traditional skills. Most of the plants used and their physicochemical properties are confirmed (Nalcoulma, 1996). But in treating the disease, traditional medicine uses incantations, rituals, prohibitions and sacrifices.These actions aim to obtain the consent of the ancestors or appease the anger of the gods (CAPES, 2006).

P.pinnata

Variety of Barks

Nauclea latifolia Strychnos spinosa,

Etalage 1 Etalage 2

Borassus akeassii

Etalage 3

Illustrations of medicinal plants

Adansonia digitata

Contribution to Food safety

Species FamilyAvailability

Part usedLe Fr Fl Kind of food Period

Adansonia digitata Bombacaceae X X Soup, bouillie Fe :SP ; Fr :SSAnnona senegalensis Annonaceae X X Fr. Raw; soup (Fe) RSPsidium guajava Myrtaceae X Fr. Raw RSBombax costatum Bombacaceae X X Soup DSCeiba pentandra Bombacaceae X X DSCrateva religiosa Capparaceae X Soup DSDetarium microcapum Caesalpiniaceae X DSDiospyros mespiliformis Ebenaceae X Fr. Raw DSFicus sycomorus Moraceae X Fr. raw DSGardenia erubescens Rubiaceae X Fr. Raw DSGrewia bicolor Tiliaceae X X Fr. Raw DSLandolphia heudelotii Apocynaceae X X Juice, couscous RSLannea microcapa Anacardiaceae X Fr. Raw DSLeptadenia hastata Asclepiadaceae X Soup,

CouscousSP

Parinari curatelifolia Chrysobalanaceae X X SSParkia biglobosa Mimosaceae X Powder, cakes,

bouillonRS

Saba floribunda Apocynaceae X Juice, sucettes RSSaba senegalensis Apocynaceae X Juice, sucettes RSSclerocarya birrea Anacardiaceae X RSElaeis guineensis Arecaceae X Huile,soup RSStrychnos spinosa Loganiaceae X Couscous RSTamarindus indica Caesalpiniaceae X X Juice, bouillie Le : anytime(Le) ;

Fr : SS Vitellaria paradoxa Sapotaceae X Fr raw ; butter RSVitex doniana Verbenaceae X Soup DSXimenia americana Olacaceae X Sucettes AnytimeZiziphus mauritiana Rhamnaceae X Sucettes, cakes SS

Food plants

Food plants

Most non-wood forest products from species listed contain iron, calcium and vitaminsB1, B2, B3 and C in significant proportions whose importance has been scientificallydemonstrated (Ouédraogo, 1994).Fruit pulp of Tamarindus indica is rich of vitamin C, Parkia biglobosa one is rich invitamin A, B1, B2, C, PP and contain 60% sugar (Zoungrana et al. 1992; Nacoulma,1996). The pulp of the fruit of Vitex doniana is very rich in vitamin A, which makes iteffective against night blindness (Tiquet, 1985).By women knowledge, food plants contribute significantly to the regime maintenanceand its balance, in periods of famine, they ensure survival

CONCLUSION

Women in the villages along the RBMH are engaged in actions foradaptation to CC. Due to their relationship with natural resources andtheir roles and responsibilities in the well-being of their families, theycontribute considerably to strengthen the adaptation actions in thesectors of forestry, health and food safety

In BF, departmental structures of scientific research and innovation,health, environment and sustainable development as well asprojects, programs, NGOs and associations are involved instrategies for minimizing adverse effects of climate change. They areworking in collaboration with the rural populations

However in traditional knowledge, there are some problems of theproduct dosages and their rational utilization. That´s why researchersare involved in this area to make indigenous knowledge more useful

THANKS

First Nations & Climate Change in the Boreal Forest of Northern Ontario: A Collaborative

Approach to Research & Shared Learning

ICARUS II Conference, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, May 7, 2011

Presented by:

Dr. M.A.(Peggy) Smith Denise M. Golden (PhD Student)

Faculty of Natural Resources Management

Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Outline

• Part I—The Collaborative Research Process (Smith) • Foundation of Research Relationship

• First Nations’ Participation

• Rights & Responsibilities

• Part II—Research Data Collection & Findings (Golden)• Conservation vs. Utilization: Framing the Debate

• Research Setting & Geography

• Preliminary Results—Participant Observations & Community Capacity

• Community Capacity in the Climate Change Debate

• Climate Change Adaptation Capacity

• Climate Change Vulnerability

Foundation of Research Relationship—Treaties

Nishnawbe Aski Nation—Treaties #5 & #9

Source: Carol Audet, NAN

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)

4

• A territory considered by Cree, Ojibwe & Oji-Cree Nations as their homeland

• A political territorial organization (PTO)

• Established in 1973 as regional organization representing political, social & economic interests of 49 First Nations

• Covered by Treaties #5 & #9

Source: Carol Audet, NAN

Recognition of Aboriginal & Treaty rights

Agreement that research cannot be conducted without consent of First Nations (FPIC/UNDRIP)

Research methodologies (i.e., “C-R-E-E” (Lemelin)—Capacity Building, Respect, Equity & Empowerment & “PAR”) promote community involvement

Collaborative approach with communities

Platform for NAN to set precedents for protection of intellectual property rights in future research & research-related endeavours

Why First Nations Participated

Source: Carol Audet, NAN

Tri-Council Policy Statement, Ch 9, Research with Aboriginal Peoples

• National research grant agencies: National Sciences & Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

• “Respectful relationships” based on collaboration

• Acknowledges “unique status” of Aboriginal peoples in Canada

• Respect for knowledge systems & worldviews incorporated at all stages of research planning & implementation

• Respect for community customs & codes of research practice to ensure balance & mutual benefits

• Role of community in shaping research

• Respect for Aboriginal governance bodies

The Contract—Researchers’ Responsibilities

• Inform NAN about project purpose, design & methods

• Respect & consider views of NAN in project design & implementation

• Seek free, prior, informed consent

• Maintain confidentiality of responses

• Acknowledge NAN’s involvement in project

• Acknowledge prior research conducted by & for First Nation organizations

Researchers’ Responsibilities (cont’d)

• Make research results available to NAN prior to publication (60 days; NAN has 30 days to comment)—consider reasonable requests for changes

• Discuss with NAN how research findings might be applied in climate change science & in relation to NAN needs & concerns on climate change

• Ensure all research publications are forwarded to NAN

The Contract—Intellectual Property Rights

• Products jointly owned

• Products reside with NAN & LU

• IPR rights for thesis & conclusions belong to researcher. NAN may draw different conclusions, but may not attribute these to researcher

• TEK not to be used for commercial purposes

• TEK belongs to communities, not researcher

• Data may be used for future projects with informed consent of participants

Conservation vs. Utilization: Framing the Debate

CONSERVATION UTILIZATION

Image Sources: Hurst Boiler & Welding Company, Inc.; New England Wood Products

Research Setting & Geographic Overview

Jan. 6 - March 31, 2011

10 First Nations

Total distance travelled: 6,000 km/4,000 miles

Geographic area: ~111,000 sq.km/43,000 sq.m.

Transportation Costs: $9,000 CDN

Above the 50th parallel (51° 48’ N - 53° 23’ N)

Research Preliminary ResultsParticipants’ Climate Change Observations

• Strong similarities and repeated comments

• “a lot of changes”

“blue ice” conditions

Seasonal

Weather Events

Unpredictability in both

Changes in wildlife

Research Community Capacity Observations

• Wide variance in awareness & knowledge within communities & between communities

• Concept of “climate change”: the topic & about forests in mitigating climate change

With Permission Photo taken by Ralph Winter, Wunnumin, ON, May 29, 2010“A Ruddy Turnstone”

Community Capacity in the Climate Change Debate

CLIMATE CHANGE TOPICS

Within the Community

Provincial Actions

Federal Actions

International

Forest & Climate Science

AWARENESS/KNOWLEDGE

Boreal in Kingfisher Lake – Central Area

Boreal Edge in Attawapiskat – Along James Bay

Climate Change Adaptation—Capacity Factors

Infrastructure

Economic Development

Population Size

Technology Staff & Support

Leadership/Advisory

Attawapiskat Hospital Lobby Photo Sources - http://www.pbase.com/paullantz/image/128934677

The Debate & Vulnerability

Preliminary Analysis

• Community members are aware of changes in their forest, on their land

• Changes affect community activities (e.g., altering hunting routes, timing & locations of hunting activities; winter road travel)

• Capacity challenges: prepare, plan & engage in the debate (lack of dedicated staff; common or sufficient knowledge)

• Capacity challenges communities to respond to environmental change (within existing committed & extended human & financial resources)

Climate Change & Direct Impacts

Sachigo Lake, ON - May 1960 (photo taken by Lucas Tait)

Wunnumin Lake, ON - March 2011

Winter Ice Road Pikangikum, ONFebruary 2011

Fuel Delivery

Climate Change Vulnerability in the Debate

Preliminary Research Discussion

• First Nations—the local land users vulnerable to climate change—ignored in policy debate & implementation

• International norms to seek “full, prior & informed consent” of Indigenous peoples not integrated in either “utilization or conservation” approaches

• The dichotomy between conservation and utilization is not necessarily shared by First Nations

• Canada, a WEALTHY NATION, lacks information dissemination & capacity-building tools for Indigenous forest communities (i.e., community staff or other information resources, government consultation in providing on-the-ground visits, community liaisons & advisors)

Winter Road – January 2011

Acknowledgements • Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)o Carol Audet, NAN Director of Land and Resources

o Muskrat Dam First Nation

o Weagamow/North Caribou Lake First Nation

o Sandy Lake First Nation

o Pikangikum First Nation

o Nibinamik/Summer Beaver First Nation

o Neskantaga/Lansdowne House First Nation

o Attawapiskat First Nation

o Fort Albany First Nation

o Kingfisher Lake First Nation

o Wunnumin First Nation

• National Science & Engineering Research Council (NSERC)

• Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

• Dr. Steve Colombo, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR)

• Dr. Harvey Lemelin, Lakehead University SSHRC Research Chair in Parks & Protected Areas

We would like to thank the following individuals, funders and funding agencies for their support: