Women goat herders in Ovalle, Chile, are adapting to climate change by improving cheese quality despite enduring severe drought. The history of goat herding dates back to 1544, but current conditions have pushed herders to modify traditional practices. Award-winning herder Yasna Molina exemplifies resilience, fostering local pride and highlighting unique flavors. Significant market opportunities exist as global demand for goat cheese grows, alongside efforts to secure designations of origin for their products.
In Ovalle, Chile, women goat herders are adapting to climate change by enhancing their cheese quality amidst prolonged drought conditions. The region’s historical goat herding, which dates back to 1544, is now challenged by scarce water resources and reduced pasture due to severe drought. Recent rainfall was observed, yet the Limarí River reservoir remains critically low at only 15% capacity. This situation has forced herders to alter traditional practices, often keeping goats in stables or semistabled conditions, impacting overall production output.
Yasna Molina, an award-winning goat herder, highlights the challenges faced, noting her blue cheese, Anqas, won accolades in 2024. She has experienced drought for nearly 25 years, necessitating feed supplementation for her Criollo goats from November to July to maintain their health. Comparatively, Criollo goats are more adept at surviving harsh conditions than other breeds, making them a vital asset for local herders who strive for sustainability despite ongoing climate challenges.
The regional impacts of climate change are evident, with approximately 5,391 goat cheese producers in Coquimbo, 80% of whom are small-scale, often women-led operations. Herders are migrating to new grazing areas further up in the Andes due to decreased pasture availability. Manuel Portilla recounts moving his herd to higher, drier land after an unusually dry year, resulting in significant herd losses: “I was left with a quarter of the herd” due to adverse weather conditions.
Climate change has exacerbated water scarcity, prompting all goat herders to adapt their methods. Claudia Torres, an agronomist specialized in goat science, emphasizes that water access remains a critical prerequisite for goat production, as even healthy goats require considerable water. Furthermore, Torres warns that the problematic overexploitation of natural resources necessitates urgent policy measures to safeguard goat herders’ operations against climate disruptions.
The recognition and awards obtained by goat herders like Molina invigorate local pride and highlight region-specific cheese flavors, essential for survival and growth in this industry. Herders are diversifying cheese varieties and employing new agricultural techniques, such as drip irrigation to manage water resources better. Female herders like Elsa Araya and Juana Pérez Milla adapt by introducing new products and flavors to meet market demands, thriving despite infrastructural limitations like the lack of electricity for mechanization.
With global cheese markets booming, the health benefits of goat cheese are attracting consumers. Chilean goat herders aim to emphasize unique terroir—a term encapsulating the interplay of soil and climate on product quality. Molina envisions achieving designation of origin for her cheeses, which could enhance their market value. Torres supports this initiative, seeking to secure a designation of origin for the collective products of Ovalle’s goat breeders, providing necessary protections and value to their heritage and labor amidst climatic challenges.
Chile’s goat herders, primarily women, exemplify resilience in the face of climate change as they adapt longstanding traditions for survival and success. Their dedication to product quality, innovative farming practices, and recognition in international markets highlight the importance of heritage and adaptability. With ongoing support for sustainable practices and potential designation of origins for their cheeses, these herders are better positioned to navigate the challenges posed by a changing climate, preserving both their livelihoods and cultural heritage.
Original Source: www.globalissues.org
