Paper presented at the 52nd CFCS Annual Meeting, Guadeloupe, July 10-16, 2016
VOICES OF RURAL FARMERS IN SURINAME ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE, AGRICULTURE INNOVATION AND LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT Anwar Helstone1, Vijantie Awadhpersad2, Jane Jagernath2, Sandhya Maniram3, Lydia Ori2 and Ranoe Mangal2, M.Sc. 1
Graduate student, Master in Education and Research in Sustainable Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Suriname, 2Researcher, Department of Agricultural Production, Faculty of Technology,3 Graduate Student, Master in Sustainable Management of the Natural Resources, Faculty of Technology Key words: Voices of farmers, Climate change, Innovation, landscape Abstract Many rural areas in Suriname are lacking information on technology from extension agents from the government extension agency, and research institutes. Communication and informal voices of farmers are shared by media. As part of a baseline study conducted for the sixth operational strategic plan of the Small Grants Programme in Suriname, four communities were selected: Moengo, Pokigron, Nickerie, Sipaliwini and Para. The purpose of this study was to collect data from communities regarding problems related to climate change, agricultural innovation and landscape management. This qualitative study was done through the focus group method. Eight focus group meetings were organized and consisted of 8-15 participants each. The key questions were extracted from the SEPLS method (Socio-ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes). The data was analyzed through the SWOT method. Based on the results, the communities have a good level of awareness about management of their landscapes. Improvement of agriculture management will be possible by access to innovative and new knowledge developed in and outside the community. Climate change is an important issue that the community already is aware of, they developed their own local strategy in resilience to this issue. Introduction Many rural areas in Suriname are lacking information on technology from extension agents from the government extension agency, and research institutes. Before making use of new technology, farmers should acquire a broad knowledge ranging from climate conditions, cultivation techniques, pest management and price. This knowledge can be gathered through their social networks, information sharing and their own experience. The purpose of this study was to collect data from communities regarding problems related to climate change, agricultural innovation and landscape management. Materials and methods In this research investigation, a qualitative study was conducted using the focus group method. Eight focus group meetings were organized and consisted of 8-15 participants each. The key questions were extracted from the SEPLS method (Socio-ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes). This toolkit has provided practical guidance for making use of the “Indicators of Resilience in Socio-ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS)” in the field. The respondents who participated in these workshops are members of the local community and stakeholders in the selected areas. Four communities were selected: Moengo, Pokigron, Nickerie, Sipaliwini and Para. A set of questions were designed to capture communities’ perceptions of factors affecting the resilience of their landscapes and seascape. Their participation allowed them to evaluate current conditions across the landscape and identify and reach agreement on priority actions, contributing to enhanced communication among stakeholders and empowered local communities. Data was collected and qualitative analyzed with SEPLS and SWOT indicators. Results The results show that in the forest landscape, in contrast to the coastal zone where rice is cultivated as a monoculture, the practice ‘slash and burn’ is mainly used. Farmers reserve their lands for vegetable production. Local knowledge about ‘slash and burn’ systems is present in the focus groups. The target group is aware of new technologies and innovation. Traditional and non-traditional technology and knowledge is used by the local communities to implement in the landscapes. Women play an important role in agriculture knowledge and dissemination in their community. In the community there is a lack of experience and knowledge in climate smart agriculture practices, and in the development of improved rice varieties. Water management is a main problem for the agriculture systems in both landscapes. Seasonal changes, including rising temperature causes a lot of harm to the ‘slash and burn’ systems which are disturbed by it, and causes low production outcomes.
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