Mapping Research Priorities for Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture: A One Health Perspective

Abstract

Background:

The climate emergency poses significant threats to agricultural productivity, the health and economic prospects of agricultural workers, and animal welfare. This requires development and implementation of adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact in the long-term. The purpose of this study was to identify and map research priorities for climate change adaptation in agriculture, focusing on protecting the health of agricultural workers and livestock animals.

Methods:

Based on the One Health framework, we utilized a participatory, mixed-method approach called group concept mapping. In 2023, 20 faculty members from various disciplines at a land-grant university were recruited through email and purposive sampling, based on group concept mapping methodology. Fifteen faculty members brainstormed ways to reduce health risks for agricultural workers and livestock in the Pacific Northwest amid climate change. Forty ideas were sorted and rated for importance and feasibility by 11 and 10 faculty, respectively.

Findings:

Multidimensional scaling yielded five clusters: wildfire smoke impacts, basic science, forecasting extreme weather, tradeoffs, and occupational health and labor. Key research areas include studying wildfire smoke’s effects on agricultural products, animals, and workers, and identifying adaptive strategies for climate change’s impact on humans and livestock. Overall, 25% included all three pillars of the One Health framework.

Conclusions:

Most research directions were focused on risk management, with limited emphasis on the One Health framework.

Application to Practice:

Transdisciplinary collaboration is needed to apply a One Health approach in climate adaptation efforts for agriculture and can be enhanced through transdisciplinary education and training opportunities.