Abstract

Local communities are the populations most exposed and the first to respond to the impacts of climate change, and their response capacity depends on several factors. Knowledge acquired about adaptation is one of the most relevant of such determinants. The present study advances an understanding of what people know (or do not know) about climate change adaptation, adaptation measures, and criteria for evaluating adaptation. The applied case study, related to the Chilean Mega Drought, involved a series of workshops carried out to evaluate adaptation practices. Questionnaires, including open questions, applied both before and after the workshop the observation of new learning results from the workshop participation. Results indicate a major knowledge gap in regard to relevant variables for evaluating adaptation practices. New knowledge was gained by the workshop participants, primarily regarding those variables but also related to adaptation practices implemented by other participants. This study provides helpful insights for identifying knowledge gaps and directing efforts to inform adaptation theory and strengthen adaptation practice.