My enthusiasm for agriculture, environment, and climate adaptation stems from cherished childhood experiences on my grandparents’ cropland, forestland, and garden. My grandparents’ lands were my playground during summer holidays. I often heard them, and their friends discuss how the year’s weather-be it drought or rainfall-would affect the crop yields. This early exposure instilled in me a profound respect for climate and agriculture.
During my previous studies, I conducted several field trips in indigenous communities of Inner Mongolia to survey and interview herders. I frequently encountered situations where drought had decreased forage yields, forcing herders to buy supplementary hay from the market. These droughts were becoming increasingly frequent. These experiences deepened my understanding of climate impacts on agriculture and ignited a passion for helping farmers increase their capacity to adapt to changing climate. This has shaped my academic and career aspirations, leading me to understand the critical interdependence of climate, farmers’ livelihoods, and ecosystems. My goal is to contribute to sustainable social and ecological systems and enhance the capacity to adapt to climate.
My overarching research question explores how to sustain agricultural production, farmers' livelihoods, and ecosystems under the challenges of climate change through policies and governance. I employ surveys, interviews, and social network analysis to learn about farmers' and professionals' perceptions and behaviors. My research is conducted in collaboration with local communities and professionals from government agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, and private. Looking forward, I aspire to develop actionable strategies and policies that not only preserve ecosystems but also empower communities to thrive in the face of climate and environmental challenges.
During my previous studies, I conducted several field trips in indigenous communities of Inner Mongolia to survey and interview herders. I frequently encountered situations where drought had decreased forage yields, forcing herders to buy supplementary hay from the market. These droughts were becoming increasingly frequent. These experiences deepened my understanding of climate impacts on agriculture and ignited a passion for helping farmers increase their capacity to adapt to changing climate. This has shaped my academic and career aspirations, leading me to understand the critical interdependence of climate, farmers’ livelihoods, and ecosystems. My goal is to contribute to sustainable social and ecological systems and enhance the capacity to adapt to climate.
My overarching research question explores how to sustain agricultural production, farmers' livelihoods, and ecosystems under the challenges of climate change through policies and governance. I employ surveys, interviews, and social network analysis to learn about farmers' and professionals' perceptions and behaviors. My research is conducted in collaboration with local communities and professionals from government agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, and private. Looking forward, I aspire to develop actionable strategies and policies that not only preserve ecosystems but also empower communities to thrive in the face of climate and environmental challenges.
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Dr. Yu Lu
Assistant Professor, Practice, Human Dimensions of Agricultural Water Management RISE Lab (Resilience, Institutions, Society, and Ecosystems) Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering (BEE) College of Agricultural Sciences Oregon State University |