Community Voices on Climate and Security: A Social Learning Approach
Publisher: CGIAR Climate Security Observatory Methods Papers Series
Author(s): Leonardo Medina, Grazia Pacillo, Jonathan James Hellin, and Michelle Bonatti
Date: 2023
Topics: Climate Change, Conflict Prevention, Cooperation, Gender, Governance, Peace and Security Operations
The linkages between climate change and human insecurity have been the subject of considerable debate over the past decade. Critical voices argue that methods for studying these complex interrelations have often ignored local cultural realities, leading to decontextualized constructions of system dynamics. Resulting policy and programming have prioritized technocratic solutions and top-down governance arrangements. Guided by a combination of social learning theory and intersectional social equity frameworks, this study examines the everyday experiences of members of affected communities to elucidate how climate change and human insecurity impact local contexts. The study developed and is currently testing a rapid assessment method, based on participatory appraisal traditions, to engage community voices in understanding climate-related security risks, including efforts to maintain social cohesion while confronting disruptions to livelihoods, food security, and inter/intra- community relations. Data are gathered in facilitated processes of co- inquiry, through community-based dialogue, in five countries with a total of twelve case study locations. Preliminary results indicate that pedagogical tools for collective reflection can support jointly-articulated visions of human security and climate vulnerability. These findings can foster collective action for natural resource management and climate adaptation, and guide the programming of environmental peacebuilding strategies based on local belief systems and adaptive capacities.