The efforts of one community in the Bolivian Andes to become resilient to the impacts of climate change are the subject of an article in The Ecologist.

Langaya sits 4,000 metres above sea level and is experiencing unpredictable weather patterns as a result of climate change. In response, its residents are using knowledge of their local circumstances, and techniques handed down from generations, to increase their resilience.

The local people depend on crops such as potato, barley and native tubers: papa lisa and oca. They also keep livestock for special occasions or sale when money is needed. The livestock also provide manure to fertilize soils. Few native trees remain in the landscape. They used to provide a source of fuel wood, maintain soil fertility and help prevent erosion.

While climate change is affecting crop yields in Langaya it is also creating new opportunities, such as making it possible to grow vegetables, apple trees, and the edible prickly pear tuna.

The article says resilience strategies employed in the ‘North’ such as agroforestry, soil conservation and innovative ways of increasing soil fertility could benefit Langaya.

The strong community organizational structure in Langaya means its people able to build what resilience they can through collective decision making about where, how and what to farm and through sharing resources.

Read the full story: Bolivia: harshening climate meets traditional knowledge