Author(s): Juliana Moyano, Isabella Akers, Riley Cummings, Jacqueline Helm, Gracyn Hinojosa, Caleb Kensinger, Sofia Price, Daxton Sorenson, Abigail Swanson
Mentor(s): Shane Macfarlan, Cindy Greaves
Institution U of U
The increasing frequency of climate-induced droughts poses significant challenges for livestock managers globally, particularly traditional ranchers in Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico. This research assesses how socio-economic status and ecosystem outcomes influenced pastoralists’ ability to navigate a multi-year drought. We employ retrospective interviews with 100 ranchers experiencing a severe drought between 2020 and 2022 across Baja California Sur, Mexico. Analyses suggest 1) the drought event economically impacted cattle ranchers more than goat ranchers, 2) this outcome was driven by increased cattle mortality relative to goats, 3) ranchers who purchased more feed during the drought and whose ecosystems rebounded report greater herd improvements over time. Understanding how ranchers adapt to climate variability offers insights into the longevity of their culture and is essential for supporting ranching communities in building resilience and navigating future climate-induced challenges.