Assessing the socio-ecological resilience of nutmeg agroecosystems in Grenada

Keywords: socio-ecological resilience, climate change, agroecosystem, Grenada, Caribbean
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 14

Abstract

Grenada a Caribbean Island is known for its principal export crop of nutmeg. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), its agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to climate change and its associated impacts. Climate change forecasts predict decreased annual rainfall and increases in the magnitude of hurricane events in the region. This paper provides an assessment of the socio-ecological resilience of nutmeg agroecosystems in Grenada to determine how best to improve their response and recovery to climate-change-related hazards. Socio-ecological resilience of the farms in three main nutmeg soil groups (Capitol, Belmont and Woburn) of the island was determined using selected indicators. The soil group distribution generally matched the locations of different agroclimatic zones based on rainfall and temperature differentials. A survey conducted with three hundred and thirty-six (336) farmers selected by stratified random sampling across the three soil groups provided information on farm characteristics, social characteristics, and responses to climatic stresses. Findings suggest that farmers located in the wetter agroclimatic zone (Capitol Soil Group) possessed higher socio-ecological resilience than those in the drier agroclimatic zone (Woburn Soil Group). Results also indicate a positive correlation of socio-ecological resilience with household size hence as household size increases socio-ecological resilience also increases. These identified factors appear to be significant influences on socio-ecological resilience among Grenadian nutmeg farmers in the face of climate change.