Multidimensional Stressors Among Historically Marginalized Indigenous People in Highland Communities: Empirical Insights From the Q’ero of Peru

Abstract

Indigenous peoples living in remote, highland communities in developing nations are faced with unprecedented stressors from a variety of sources that impact their economic, social, and cultural well-being. These stressors are multidimensional and do not exist in isolation. In this paper, we examine how climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and pre-existing socio-economic and political marginalization intersect and impact Peru’s high-altitude indigenous Q’ero communities. Semi-structured interviews conducted in Ocongate with a small community of Q’ero people shed light on the complexity of these multidimensional stressors. The findings highlight the presence of climate extremes, water scarcity, economic degradation, misinformation, and government distrust. These findings suggest that the Q’ero people, as well as other high-altitude indigenous communities, are facing increased vulnerability and impacts to their livelihood due to multidimensional stressors such as climate change, the coronavirus pandemic, and government neglect.