Risk perception and barriers to climate change adaptation in rural communities in Sonora: The case of El Sabinito Sur

This project aims to understand how rural communities in southern Sonora—specifically El Sabinito Sur, located within the Sierra de Álamos–Río Cuchujaqui Ecological Reserve—perceive climate risks and face barriers to adapting to climate change.

This region is highly vulnerable to extreme events such as prolonged droughts and flash floods, which have become more frequent and intense in recent years. Through a qualitative, quantitative, and participatory approach, the research will explore both perceived risks (such as droughts, rains, unusual frosts, or shifting seasons) and the factors limiting local adaptive capacity.

The community relies on traditional livelihoods—including livestock, seasonal agriculture, foraging, and handicrafts—and faces a high degree of marginalization. Therefore, it is urgent to highlight their experiences, knowledge, and strategies in the face of a changing climate.

This project seeks to generate contextualized knowledge that deepens our understanding of risk perception and climate adaptation dynamics. The goal is to inform more place-based strategies tailored to the rural and semi-arid realities of southern Sonora, ultimately contributing to more inclusive and effective adaptation efforts for the benefit of both communities and decision-makers.