Description:

The project aims to characterize the vulnerabilities of small agricultural businesses and develop adaptation options, while providing farmers with climate risk reduction tools. The multidisciplinary initiative brings together seven agricultural or agroforestry cooperatives and 20 Canadian, Moroccan, German and Beninese researchers. Guided by design thinking, a participatory approach focused on the needs of farmers, the cooperatives in Morocco, Benin and Canada will share their vulnerabilities, the measures already taken to protect their land, and the climate change adaptations implemented. The cooperatives from the three countries, in tandem with the scientific team, will then seek solutions to increase their resilience. Regenerative, community-based or nature-based solutions will be exchanged between participants from the three countries and the scientists. Integrating the best solutions found, adaptation measures will be tested on seven local plots (the "Shared Gardens") and then discussed among the international participants.

Project Approach: Design Thinking

To stimulate creativity and participation, the project is built around design thinking, a collaborative problem-solving approach that involves researchers, cooperative members and partner organizations in the construction of adaptation solutions.

Stages of Design Thinking in the Project (duration of 3-4 years)

1. Observation-Inspiration: Investigate and gather data to describe the situations in the cooperatives, the actions already carried out to preserve resources, and the needs related to climate change.

2. Synthesis: Summarize the situations in the cooperatives and pose a problem to be solved in each of the cooperatives.

3. Ideation: Formulate numerous ideas for adaptation measures; choose the best ones.

4. Prototyping: Experiment with the best adaptation solutions on experimental plots.

5. Testing: Evaluate the adaptation measures implemented.

6. Communication: Share the results and the most effective adaptation measures.

A private Facebook group also ensures the progressive co-construction of adaptation solutions.

The Climate-Adapted Gardens project is based on research funded by the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund and by the Deutsche Forschungsgemienschaft (German Research Foundation).