Exploring the role of community level social capital in the context of climate-smart agriculture: Field notes from Cauca, Colombia

This report presents findings from focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted in Cauca, Colombia, focusing on the role of community-level social capital in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). The research explores how social capital, defined by the networks, relationships, and trust within the community, influences the adoption and scaling of CSA practices. Social capital is examined through bonding, bridging, and linking dimensions, assessing how local networks facilitate knowledge exchange, decision-making, and resilience in response to climate variability.

The study engaged 14 community leaders from the Cauca Climate-Smart Village (CSV), utilizing participatory methodologies to gain insights into community organization and preparedness for climate challenges. Findings reveal a robust network structure where community members collectively deliberate on decisions, with the Community Action Board (CAB) identified as central to climate resilience. Local networks, including neighbors and expert community members, are essential sources of technical assistance, while external organizations contribute to areas like environmental protection and agricultural inputs.

The report concludes that strong community-based networks, supported by external actors, are vital in enhancing resilience and facilitating the broader adoption of CSA practices. The study emphasizes the need for continued investment in social capital to improve adaptive capacity in rural agricultural settings.