Canadian, Argentinean and Colombian Programs Building Resilience to Extreme Events

Abstract

An important determinant of adaptive capacity to climate change and extreme events of drought and flood is institutional capital, or the assistance provided by government, civil society and private companies through programs and policy. A strong institutional capital provides adaptive strategies for agricultural producers and rural communities that not only assist in prevention of disaster, but recovery and rebuilding from disaster. But what are the components of strong institutional capital? This paper reports research studies drawing on comparative institutional governance studies of agricultural producers in dry land river basins in Canada, Argentina, and Colombia, in relation to climate change and extreme events of drought and flood. An assessment is made comparing and contrasting the different suites of institutional capital (organizations, policy, and programs) in relation to drought and flood and their impact on different types, sizes, and sensitivities of agricultural producers. This comparative analysis provides useful insights into what specific policies and programs build resilience and how this institutional capital is distributed amongst agricultural producers. Recommendations for improving institutional capital and its equitable distribution are made. This paper will be informative for policy makers, civil society organizations, and government.