The WellAdapt project, led by the Institute of Environmental Planning (working group Environmental Behavior and Planning), held its kickoff meeting in Mexico from November 21 to December 2, 2024. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and in collaboration with the School of Psychology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), this research initiative examines how extreme weather events affect the mental well-being of Mexican farmers and influence their adaptation decisions.
Highlights from the kickoff meeting
- Collaboration and research planning: Teams from Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) discussed project goals, shared updates on literature reviews, and coordinated fieldwork plans. Presentations included the validation of psychometric tools and research gaps related to extreme weather events and adaptation behaviors.
- Community engagement: The first discussions with farmers in the Mezquital Valley, a region in Mexico known as "Mexico’s barn" for its agricultural significance, provided key insights. Located near Mexico City, the valley is home to farmers who shared their fears about climate change and how they processed the impact of the last drought in the region. Over the course of field visits, the team engaged with five farmers to understand their challenges and coping mechanisms.
- Partnership development: Meetings with researchers from the Autonomous University of Chapingo (UACh), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and the Center for Research in Food and Development (CIAD) explored opportunities for collaboration, including the involvement of students in fieldwork, creating a farmer network map, and supporting knowledge transfer initiatives.
Next Steps
- Fieldwork and analysis: Preparations are underway for field visits in 2025, focusing on identifying adaptation behaviors and their psychological drivers. Collaborators will work on refining data collection tools and ensuring community participation.
- Workshops and knowledge exchange: The project plans to host workshops addressing adaptation strategies and resilience-building, with input from academic and local stakeholders.
This kickoff marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to better understand how mental well-being influences farmers' decisions under climate pressures. For updates and further details, visit the project website.
