Abstract

RIERA, Constanza  and  PEREIRA, Sandra Graciela. Between climate risk and productive changes: irrigated agriculture as a form of adaptation in Río Segundo, Córdoba, Argentina. Invest. Geog [online]. 2013, n.82, pp.52-65. ISSN 2448-7279.

In agricultural systems, the risks associated with climate define productive activity by being directly linked to natural processes. This paper makes focus on one aspect considered central to climate risks management in agricultural environments. That is the social perception of risks (especially variability or extreme and normal events). This perception responds primarily to different socio-historical influences (such as economic circumstances in the international and national context) and also to changes in climate that in recent decades have affected pre-existing physical conditions. The perception of climate was reflected in productive practices in Río Segundo (province of Córdoba, Argentina) such as irrigation technology adoption. The application of supplementary central pivot irrigation with groundwater is the main strategy implemented by Río Segundo's farmers to address the major climate risk (unstable and low rainfall). The available empirical evidence on precipitation would not be enough to justify the investment in irrigation. However, this "cutting edge" farmers make technology adoption reasonably re-signifying the rainfall risk as beyond acceptable for modern farming.

Keywords : Social perception; irrigated agriculture; climatic risk; adaptation; Córdoba; Argentina.

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