Exploring the Impact of Climate Change in Rural Peru: Lorena…

Lorena Cardenas, a Ph.D. student at OSU, researches climate change impacts in rural Peru. Focusing on Tanta and Yauyos, she examines gendered experiences of climate effects. Her work aims to build trust with local communities and address past exploitations by researchers. Cardenas also appreciates the region’s culture and cuisine while acknowledging the demographic challenges faced by these communities.

Lorena Cardenas, a second-year Ph.D. student at Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, specializes in human-environmental geography. Her research investigates the impacts of climate change on small villages in Peru, focusing on how diverse populations experience these effects distinctly.

The specific areas of her study include the Peruvian Andes, with an emphasis on rural communities such as Yauyos and Tanta, situated near Lima. In these regions, Spanish and Quechua are the primary languages spoken. Cardenas aims to understand the local consequences of climate change and their implications for community livelihoods, particularly through a gendered lens.

During preliminary fieldwork last summer, Cardenas formed essential relationships with local gatekeepers and researchers. She observed that Tanta faces challenges from melting glaciers and declining pastures vital for livestock, while Yauyos enjoys warmer temperatures that allow for new crop growth, positively impacting local economies.

Cardenas emphasizes the importance of recognizing that climate change is not universally experienced. Her research seeks to create a better connection between climate change and gender, providing the necessary evidence to advocate for improved decision-making strategies at various levels.

Planning her most recent trip to Peru, which lasted approximately six weeks and included a week in Yauyos, Cardenas intends to return between July and August for further data collection. She maintains connections with the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, which has facilitated collaboration with local authorities and researchers.

One of Cardenas’s significant challenges involves overcoming the legacy of academic extractivism, where researchers have historically exploited local knowledge without reciprocating benefits. Residents of Yauyos have been wary of outsiders due to past negative experiences, emphasizing the need for building trust through participatory methods.

In Yauyos, visitors can observe terraced farming known as andenes, which allow cultivation in steep areas. However, communities struggle to find individuals willing to undertake the labor-intensive work necessary for these traditional agricultural techniques.

Cardenas expresses her deep appreciation for Peruvian cuisine, particularly the avocado, handmade cheese, and fried trout, stating her bias towards her culture’s food. Additionally, she cherishes a local cultural dance called the Tunantada, which symbolizes the integration of diverse social classes and ethnic groups.

The kindness and warmth of the rural communities struck Cardenas profoundly, highlighting the vast beauty and diversity of the world that is often overlooked. She notes with concern the aging population of these communities and the resultant decline in traditional practices due to youth migration to urban centers in search of better opportunities.

While Cardenas enjoyed her time in Peru and was accompanied by her family, she expressed a desire for future trips where they might join her in more remote areas. She advises prospective travelers to remain flexible with their plans and appreciate the slow pace of life, engaging fully with local stories, landscapes, and cuisine.

In conclusion, Lorena Cardenas’s research in the Peruvian Andes focuses on the gendered impacts of climate change on local communities. Through her fieldwork in Tanta and Yauyos, she aims to foster trust and collaboration with local residents, addressing past criticisms of outsider researchers. Cardenas also reflects on the rich cultural and culinary offerings of Peru while noting the economic challenges facing rural youth. Her insights underscore the importance of understanding and supporting these communities amid changing environmental conditions.

Original Source: today.oregonstate.edu