Adaptive institutional design in agri-environmental programs
International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management
ISSN: 1756-8692
Article publication date: 13 May 2014
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how and in what context adaptive governance might work in practice in relation to climate variability through the study of two successful agri-environmental programs.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained through semi-structured qualitative interviews with key policy informants as well as rural agricultural producers. The adaptive attributes of two successful agri-environmental programs with a proven track record in reducing vulnerability and increasing adaptive capacity of rural producers were studied, including program responsiveness, program framing, stakeholder engagement mechanisms, and the respective roles of key actors.
Findings
The adaptive governance practices of program delivery through localized government personnel and organizations increased perceived responsiveness. Mechanisms of program delivery and stakeholder participation and review changed over time as well as the framing of programs. Producers and key policy informants agreed that producers responded to concretely framed issues. A possible disconnect was discovered in the anticipated role of government in relation to meeting and responding to the climate change challenge.
Practical implications
This research shows a need to study changes in programs over time in relation to the attributes of adaptive management. Differing climatic events, geographies, and government and stakeholder priorities all contribute to changes in the institutional design of programs and policies.
Originality/value
This paper documents adaptive governance practices in relation to two agri-environmental programs that have successfully facilitated producer adaptation to climate variability in the past, as well as the perceptions of agricultural producers of the future role of government in relation to responding to climate change.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding for this research is gratefully acknowledged from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
Citation
Hurlbert, M. (2014), "Adaptive institutional design in agri-environmental programs", International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, Vol. 6 No. 2, pp. 145-165. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCCSM-12-2012-0076
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited