“To Irrigate or Not?” Is the Wrong Question: Exploring the Triple Bottom Line of Climate Adaptation for Dairy Farmers in Los Lagos, Chile

This case study explores the resilience of the dairy industry in the Los Lagos region of Chile amid growing challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and economic pressures. Central to this study is the tension between the region’s increasing demand for irrigation to sustain dairy production with potential impacts to the environment and society. Our study highlights the complexities of water governance in Chile, where privatized water rights exacerbate inequalities, particularly for subsistence farmers who are disproportionately affected by climate change. Drawing on the post-structuralist feminist approach of J. K. Gibson-Graham the study emphasizes the need for reading for difference in understanding diverse possible futures for the region’s agricultural systems, offering an alternative to the dominant paradigm that prioritizes yield increases at the expense of ecological sustainability and community well-being. A key finding is that innovative, sustainability-focused models—such as those demonstrated by dairy farmer Ignacio Alvarez—offer promising pathways to balance environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social resilience. However, the lack of supportive governance structures and equitable water distribution hampers the ability of many farmers to adopt such practices. The study calls for more inclusive, localized governance and policy frameworks that integrate a “triple bottom line” of community, environmental, and economic needs. It also underscores the importance of co-generating knowledge with local stakeholders to develop adaptive, context-specific solutions. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discussion on how to foster resilience in agricultural communities facing the dual threats of climate change and globalization, offering lessons applicable to other regions grappling with similar challenges.