EXTREME WEATHER IMPACTS, ADAPTATION STRATEGIES, AND AGROFORESTRY IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY AGRICULTURE: INSIGHTS FROM FARMERS

Keywords: agroforestry, interviews, remote sensing, climate adaptation
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), agroforestry, or the intentional integration of trees or shrubs with crops and/or livestock within agricultural systems, offers promising adaptation strategies for climate-induced challenges in agroecosystems. However, there is a lack of research on agroforestry in the United States, particularly in regions like San Diego County. This study aims to address this research gap by pursuing two principal objectives: to understand historical, contemporary, and projected climatic conditions within the region, drawing upon climatic models and local agriculturalists' experiential knowledge; and to highlight the adaptive strategies employed by local farmers to confront the challenges of a changing climate, with particular emphasis on the implementation of agroforestry systems. The study employs convergent methods, including preliminary interviews, surveys, biophysical models from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), and in-situ assessments. This study seeks to comprehensively assess the biophysical and socioeconomic dimensions of agroforestry practices with the goal of providing insights into the potential benefits of agroforestry for enhancing agricultural production, informing policy decisions, and supporting farmers and stakeholders in San Diego County.