Lorena Cardenas, a Ph.D. student at OSU, studies climate change impacts on rural Peruvian communities, focusing on gender differences. Her experience emphasizes building trust with locals, understanding agricultural challenges, and valuing cultural practices. Cardenas advocates for collaborative research approaches and encourages others to appreciate the rich diversity of rural Peru while adapting to a slower pace of life.
Lorena Cardenas is a second-year Ph.D. student at Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences focusing on human-environmental geography. Her research examines the differential impacts of climate change on small villages in Peru. She is particularly investigating how various social factors, such as gender, influence experiences of climate change among local populations.
Currently, Cardenas is conducting her studies in the Peruvian Andes, specifically in the rural communities of Yauyos and Tanta, located in the highlands near Lima. In these areas, Spanish and Quechua are the primary languages spoken. Her research highlights the effects of climate change on these communities, noting that Tanta faces challenges due to melting glaciers and declining pastures, vital for livestock, while Yauyos benefits from increased temperatures that support new crops.
Through her fieldwork, Cardenas emphasizes the importance of understanding social discrepancies in how individuals experience climate change. She aims to establish a connection between climate change and gender issues by advocating for better decision-making practices influenced by her research findings. The challenges she faces in rural Peru include overcoming skepticism stemming from previous negative experiences with researchers who did not engage communities respectfully.
Cardenas recently spent approximately six weeks in Peru, with specific time allocated to Yauyos. Moving forward, she plans to revisit the area between July and August for data collection using participatory research methods. Through her collaboration with local authorities and community members, such as Romel Segura, she has established trust, which is crucial for her research success.
One of the significant challenges of her work involves addressing the distrust that rural communities may harbor toward researchers. Many locals recall negative interactions with past researchers who engaged in academic extractivism—taking information without providing insights back to the community. Cardenas emphasizes the need for building meaningful, reciprocal relationships through collaborative knowledge production.
The Andean region features stunning agricultural landscapes, with andenes—terraced farming areas. However, these valleys are struggling to maintain robust agricultural practices due to labor shortages. Cardenas relishes aspects of local cuisine, such as avocados, freshly made cheese, and fried trout, asserting that Peruvian food ranks among the best globally.
Cultural experiences also enrich her research; she particularly admires a traditional dance called Tunantada, which symbolizes social class and ethnic unity in the region. One of her most poignant realizations throughout her experience is the aging population in rural communities, prompting concerns about the sustainability of traditional cultural practices as youth migrate to urban areas for better opportunities.
While she misses her family while conducting her research, Cardenas proactively immerses herself in her work. She encourages potential travelers to embrace the slower pace of life in rural Peru, welcoming unforeseen changes in plans. Cardenas suggests appreciating the natural beauty, hospitality, and rich narrative of these communities and indulging in local cuisine during their visit.
In summary, Lorena Cardenas’s research in Peru offers profound insights into the intersection of climate change and social equity. Her work sheds light on how rural communities are adapting to changing environmental conditions, emphasizing the gendered nuances of these experiences. By fostering trust and participation among local populations, Cardenas aims to contribute to more informed decision-making regarding climate change, while also enhancing appreciation for the cultural richness and diversity of rural Peru. Ultimately, her journey underscores the importance of respectful engagement and collaboration in research efforts.
Original Source: today.oregonstate.edu
