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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #415679
Research Project: Knowledge Systems and Tools to Increase the Resilience and Sustainablity of Western Rangeland Agriculture

Location: Range Management Research

Title: Challenges and opportunities for Extension in drought adaptation: A case study on ranching in New Mexico

Author
item DINAN, MAUDE - New Mexico State University
item BRUNSON, MARK - Utah State University
item Elias, Emile
item BROWN, JOEL - New Mexico State University

Submitted to: Protocols.io
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/16/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: While Extension serves as a promising resource to support drought adaptation among ranchers, how Extension staff perceive their capacity to support ranching clientele in that endeavor is not well understood. We interviewed university Extension professionals across New Mexico to explore their perceptions of drought. We found that their perceived ability to aid in drought adaptation was dependent upon interpersonal, as well as structural, factors. These factors differed across ranching regions in New Mexico. This case study highlights the importance of Extension networks, opportunity for novel Extension training, and a need for heightened attention to structural barriers.

Technical Abstract: Prolonged drought poses significant challenges for food and fiber production in the U.S. Southwest, where range livestock production has great economic and cultural significance. Sustaining rangeland agriculture in the region necessitates swift and nimble uptake of drought adaptations. While Extension serves as a promising resource to drought adaptation among ranchers, how Extension staff perceive their capacity to support ranching clientele in that endeavor is not well understood. We interviewed university Extension professionals across New Mexico to explore their perceptions of drought. We found that their perceived ability to aid in drought adaptation was dependent upon interpersonal, as well as structural, factors. These factors differed across ranching regions in New Mexico. This case study highlights the importance of Extension networks, opportunity for novel Extension training, and a need for heightened attention to structural barriers.