Award-winning women goat herders in Ovalle, Chile, are adapting traditions to combat climate change effects. Drought has prompted changes in grazing practices, leading to innovative cheese production and international recognition. With shared challenges, strategies to adapt include irrigation and diversification of cheese varieties as these herders aim to protect their heritage amidst shifting environmental conditions.
In the municipality of Ovalle, Chile, women goat herders are innovating to adapt to climate change while preserving their rich heritage. The tradition, which dates back to 1544, is currently challenged by a prolonged drought that has impacted the availability of water and pastureland. These herders are enhancing the quality and variety of their cheese products, earning international accolades for their efforts in these difficult conditions.
As evidence of climate-related impacts, the Coquimbo region recorded only 89.2 millimeters of rainfall in 2024, coupled with a Limarí River reservoir that is only 15% full. To cope with this crisis, herders have transitioned towards stabling goats or semi-stabling, leading to changes in their traditional practices of itinerant grazing.
Herds are being supplemented with specially purchased feeds, as agricultural practices have shifted significantly. Yasna Molina, an award-winning cheese producer from Villaseca, emphasizes the unique characteristics of the Criollo goat, which is more resilient in the harsh Andean ecosystem. Despite the challenges, Molina’s blue cheese, Anqas, has received prestigious awards, showcasing the potential of these traditional practices in modern markets.
The crisis has also induced migration among some goat herders, like Manuel Portilla, who were forced to relocate their herds to sustain their livelihoods amid severe drought conditions. The challenges are compounded by climate change, which has affected both their pastures and overall herd health.
Claudia Torres, an agronomist specializing in goats, indicates that small herders suffer the most from water scarcity, prompting the need for regional policies to manage resources better. She highlights the economic factors overshadowing the traditional practices of herders, leading to concerns about the sustainability of their future.
Despite adversities, recognition from international competitions has revitalized the local cheese community. Herders like Elsa Araya and Juana Pérez Milla are innovating their cheese varieties, expanding their offerings while managing limited resources more efficiently. Investments in irrigation have allowed some to maintain their production levels amidst the drought.
Chilean goat cheese, celebrated for its lower fat content and rich flavor, is making inroads into international markets, driven by increased consumer demand for nutritious options. Proposals for designation of origin are in development to enhance the value of these products and protect the local goat breeds, which are pivotal for preserving the region’s traditions through climate adaptation strategies.
Women goat herders in Chile are innovatively addressing the impacts of climate change while safeguarding their cultural heritage. Through quality enhancements in cheese production, they have garnered international recognition and are adapting their practices to ensure sustainability in the face of severe drought conditions. The ongoing efforts to improve the economic viability of their operations through innovative techniques and potential designation of origin may secure their livelihoods and preserve their ancestral crafts against the backdrop of climate adversity.
Original Source: www.globalissues.org
