Lorena Cardenas, a Ph.D. student at OSU, investigates climate change’s effects on rural Peruvian communities, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive research. She has developed ties with local stakeholders, addressing past negative research experiences and exploring the intricate relationship between climate, livelihoods, and cultural practices in the Andes. Cardenas also cherishes the region’s vibrant culture and cuisine while highlighting the challenges these communities face.
Lorena Cardenas is a second-year Ph.D. student at Oregon State University, specializing in human-environmental geography within the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. Her research is centered around climate change effects on small Peruvian villages, particularly how diverse communities experience these changes variably.
Currently, Cardenas is focusing on rural communities in the Peruvian Andes, specifically Yauyos and Tanta. As a researcher, she seeks to understand local climate change impacts and their implications for livelihoods, emphasizing gender disparities and other social differences.
During her preliminary fieldwork last summer, Cardenas established connections with local stakeholders and researchers. She discovered that Tanta, with its population of 479, is adversely affected by melting glaciers and declining pastures important for livestock, while Yauyos, which has 1,481 residents, benefits from warmer weather allowing for new crop cultivation.
Cardenas emphasizes that climate change research is not gender-neutral, and its effects vary among different populations. Her goal is to illuminate the connection between climate change and gender, providing evidence to advocate for better decision-making related to these issues.
Logistically, working in rural Peru presents challenges; for instance, Cardenas and her colleague faced delays when their bus did not arrive, necessitating lengthy walks between villages. Cardenas intends to return to Peru from July to August for further data collection using participatory methods.
The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation has facilitated valuable contacts with local authorities, which has been instrumental in her research. With the assistance of Romel Segura, a key local partner, Cardenas is also involved in an ongoing research project, “Adaptation and Resilience in Yauyos,” in collaboration with the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru.
A significant obstacle she faces is overcoming the mistrust stemming from previous researchers who engaged in what Cardenas describes as academic extractivism. Many community members recall past researchers who collected information and failed to return with results, making trust-building essential.
In Yauyos, visitors can observe impressive andenes—stepped agricultural terraces vital for farming on steep slopes. Cardenas noted the community struggles to maintain this agricultural practice due to a diminishing labor force willing to endure the associated physical toll.
As a Peruvian, Cardenas expresses her love for the local cuisine, particularly praising the affordability and quality of avocados, handmade cheese, and fried trout served with native potatoes and yuca.
A highlight of her cultural experience was witnessing the Tunantada, a traditional dance symbolizing the integration of diverse social classes and ethnic groups in the Peruvian highlands, featuring performers in humorous masks.
Reflecting on her experience, Cardenas appreciates the beauty and diversity of rural spaces and the warmth of local communities, who often share their stories with kindness. However, she is concerned about the aging population and the lack of opportunities for youth, which threatens the preservation of traditional cultures.
While she felt joy researching in her homeland, she missed the companionship of her family, who were in Lima during her visit. Cardenas plans for her family to join her next time.
For anyone planning to visit these rural areas, Cardenas advises being flexible, as schedules are often non-existent. Emphasizing the importance of savoring experiences, she encourages travelers to enjoy the slow pace, delightful company, and rich cultural offerings in the highlands.
In summary, Lorena Cardenas’s research highlights the complex interplay between climate change, gender, and social differences in rural Peruvian communities. Her commitment to building trust with local populations and using participatory methods reflects a progressive approach to understanding environmental issues. Despite challenges in maintaining agricultural practices, Cardenas’s fieldwork underscores the importance of kindness and connection in rural communities, enhancing our understanding of their experiences and cultural richness.
Original Source: today.oregonstate.edu
