Investigating Small-Scale Farmers' Perceptions of Climate Change in Northwestern Pennsylvania: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability

Sanchez, Bianca

Investigating Small-Scale Farmers' Perceptions of Climate Change in Northwestern Pennsylvania: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10456/57633

Author(s)

Sanchez, Bianca

Date Issued

March 22, 2024

Abstract

Pennsylvania has experienced significant temperature increases and precipitation changes since the early 1900s, with projections indicating further warming and increased rainfall by 2050. Projected impacts such as an increase in intense precipitation events and rising temperatures will cause crop damage and an overall decrease in farm production in crops and livestock. In the state of Pennsylvania, agriculture is crucial to the economic and cultural landscape. Farmers in this region are disproportionately impacted by climate change, yet their perspectives often remain understudied. By conducting a focus group of four small-scale farmers from Crawford County, this study highlights the nuanced insights into farmers' risk perceptions, adaptation strategies, and willingness to engage in climate change efforts. These findings highlight the complex relationship between climate change impacts, local food production, and farmers’ perceptions while providing insights and strategies for promoting sustainability within food systems. Future research should explore the viability of farmers' proposed solutions for addressing climate issues, examine the long-term effects of changing weather patterns on ecosystem biodiversity, evaluate the effectiveness of small-scale farmers' adaptation strategies, and continue exploring climate perceptions within underrepresented communities.

Major

Environmental Science and Sustainability

Honors

Environmental Science and Sustainability, 2024

First Reader(s)

Bethurem, Matt