Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland

Navigating water shortage in the agricultural landscape of Southern Öland

Water scarcity in Southern Öland is intensifying, posing unprecedented challenges to agricultural practices and heritage preservation. This study reveals that while water shortages have long been recognized as a defining feature of the landscape, recent droughts are now disrupting established management strategies. Through qualitative interviews with farmers and officials, researchers found that stakeholders grapple with conflicting priorities—balancing agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and heritage conservation. The findings underscore the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on this fragile ecosystem.