Research

Investigators: Clark Seavert

Problem and justification:

Barriers to adaptation and mitigation practices exist and may stem from cultural, policy, or economic-related issues or lack of knowledge and education. To keep agriculture profitable and resilient to climate change, these barriers need to be identified and overcome.

Research approach:

Potential adaptation and mitigation practices will be identified through literature review for areas identified as having "high vulnerability" in the vulnerability matrix (Objectives 5 and 6). Outcomes of these adaptation/mitigation practices, where possible, will be determined through either cropping system or economic/decision making models. Options and results of the practices will be presented to stakeholders to determine barriers to adoption. Materials developed to overcome identified barriers, especially when education or lack of knowledge is found to be a significant cause, will be widely disseminated.

Investigators: Shelley Pressley, Jodi Johnson-Maynard

Problem and justification:

Systems-based and resilience thinking are necessary to solve the complex challenges facing agriculture today. While this need has been recognized among agricultural researchers, most are lacking formal training and experience in applying systems tools and resilience thinking to problems. In addition, these tools are often not included in traditional, disciplinary graduate student training programs.

Research approach:

A seminar series has been established to highlight systems-based thinking tools and resilience theory. The seminar will be taught over multiple semesters. Graduate students, faculty and interested stakeholders will be invited to participate. The format will allow for readings and discussion so that the entire group learns together as well as guest seminars from researchers working in these areas.