Climate Change and Family Farming in the Pantanal region of South America

Overview

Climate change is generating both gradual and rapid environmental transformations, creating impacts and uncertainties that require continuous adaptation, particularly for family farming in the Pantanal. This report analyzes the climate-related impacts perceived by rural communities and the adaptation strategies they have adopted, with the aim of identifying factors that strengthen socio-ecological resilience.

Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with rural producers from the Pantanal Model Landscape. In addition, historical climate maps and projections of temperature and precipitation for 2070 were developed to highlight trends and anomalies and to support communication and public decision-making. Farmers reported significant changes in rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, more frequent fires, and growing conflicts with wildlife, all of which directly affect agricultural production and family well-being. In response, communities have intensified the use of wells and irrigation systems, diversified production, implemented Agroforestry Systems, and engaged in integrated landscape management initiatives. These strategies have been locally developed and, in some cases, supported by public policies and socio-environmental projects.

The findings highlight the importance of strengthening agroecological practices, fostering community-based innovation, and aligning adaptive public policies to enhance the resilience of family farming systems in the Pantanal.