Vulnerability and Adaptation to Drought : The Canadian Prairies and South America

Although there is considerable historical literature describing the social and economic impact of drought on the prairies in the 1930s, little has been written about the challenges presented by drought in more contemporary times. The drought of 2001-02 was, for example, the most recent large-area, intense, and prolonged drought in Canada and one of Canada’s most costly natural disasters in a century.

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Drought on the Canadian Prairies describes the impacts of droughts and the adaptations made in prairie agriculture over recent decades. These adaptations have enhanced the capacity of rural communities to withstand drought. However, despite the high levels of technical adaptation that have occurred, and the existing human capital and vibrant social and information networks, agricultural producers in the prairie region remain vulnerable to severe droughts that last more than a couple of years.

Research findings and projections suggest that droughts could become more frequent, more severe, and of longer duration in the region over the course of the 21st century. This book provides insights into the conditions generating these challenges and the measures required to reduce vulnerability of prairie communities to them. This volume develops a greater understanding of the social forces and conditions that have contributed to enhanced resilience, as well as those which detract from successful adaptation and examines drought through an interdisciplinary lens encompassing climate science and the social sciences

Harry Diaz is a Professor of Sociology and Social Studies and former Director of the Canadian Plains Research Center (CPRC) at the University of Regina. His fields of research include adaptation and vulnerability to climate change, water scarcities, and environmental governance. He has participated in several projects dealing with the impacts of climate on the rural sector in Canada and Latin America.

Margot Hurlbert is an Associate Professor jointly appointment in the Department of Justice Studies and Department of Sociology and Social Studies at the University of Regina. Her fields of research include adaptive governance, water – energy – food nexus, social learning and community engagement. She has participated in several projects dealing with the impacts of climate and institutional governance in Canada and Latin America.

James Warren is a policy and communications consultant specializing in water governance and management issues. He lectures in environmental sociology and management communications at the University of Regina.

With Contributions By: Jose Armando Boninsegna, Barrie Bonsal, Darrell Corkal, Amber Fletcher, Monica Hadarits, Tom Harrison, Margot Hurlbert, Samantha Kerr, Erin Knuttila, Suren Kulshreshta, Gregory Marchildon, Elma Montana, Bruce Morito, Jeremy Pittman, Alejandro Rojas, David Sauchyn, Paula Santibanez, A.Unvoas, Johanna Wandel, James Warren, Virginia Wittrock, and Elaine Wheaton