Determinación de la percepción climática en fincas cacaoteras del cantón Bolívar bajo enfoque de adaptación basada en ecosistemas - AbE

The objective of this research was to identify the perception of farmers of cocoa farms in Membrillo parish, Bolívar canton, regarding the effects of climate change, with the aim of evaluating Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) strategies. Surveys were conducted on 10 farms, stratified by size, and the vulnerability of the crops was assessed using indicators and a traffic-light system that classified the farms as low, medium, or high risk. The results show that 70% of the farmers perceive significant impacts of climate change, particularly in the reduction of cocoa yield and quality, while 60% report an increased frequency of extreme events, such as droughts and floods. Despite this, 50% have not implemented adaptation measures, and none have received training, although all expressed interest in doing so. According to the rating scale, farms marked in green show low vulnerability and require monitoring, while those in yellow present medium vulnerability and need to prioritize agroecological practices. Farms such as number 3 (2.40 ha) and number 9 (15 ha) show medium vulnerability due to factors such as slope and the absence of windbreaks. Two strategies were designed: sustainable agricultural systems and agroecological practices, promoting EbA to enhance resilience and sustainability. The strategies include specific activities, tasks, and responsible parties, aimed at strengthening adaptive capacity, improving production, and ensuring the sustainability of cocoa farms in the territory. Based on these results, a guide of adaptation strategies was developed and provided to the farmers.