Climate Histories in Black and White: Contextualizing Climate Services Through Anthropology

Although agricultural communities have long adapted to changing markets, weather patterns, regulatory environments, and technology innovations, increasing climate pressures are challenging tried and tested responses. This article ponders the contribution anthropologists can make to enhance climate services programs that build adaptive capacity. A comparison of two community workshops conducted in the southeast United States illustrates the roles that anthropologists can play to reveal the heterogeneity of perspectives, needs, and experiences among farmer groups. The article describes how differently Black and White farmers experienced past changes and how divergent historical narratives influence perspectives about current and future adaptation pathways. Instead of solely focusing stakeholder-scientist discussions on how farming systems need to adapt, results highlight the importance of considering those “unforeseen” factors that shape adaptation options. The study underscores the importance of developing climate services programs purposively tailored to community contexts and social histories, a process that anthropologists are well positioned to guide.