1. The problem involves understanding the relationship between independent variables (climate variability) and a dependent variable (potato yields) mediated by intervening variables (farmer adaptation strategies). 2. In algebraic terms, this can be modeled as a function where potato yield $Y$ depends on climate variables $C$ and adaptation strategies $A$, i.e., $Y = f(C, A)$. 3. The independent variables are rainfall variability ($R$) and temperature variability ($T$), so $C = (R, T)$. 4. The intervening variables $A$ include adjusting planting dates, use of improved varieties, irrigation practices, soil conservation methods, and access to extension services. 5. The model can be expressed as: $$Y = f(R, T, A)$$ where $A$ itself is a function of $R$ and $T$ because adaptation strategies depend on climate variability: $$A = g(R, T)$$ 6. Therefore, the overall relationship is: $$Y = f(R, T, g(R, T))$$ 7. This shows that potato yields depend directly on climate variability and indirectly through farmer adaptation strategies. 8. Understanding this helps in predicting yields and planning interventions to improve production stability and yield per unit area. Final answer: Potato yields $Y$ are a function of rainfall variability $R$, temperature variability $T$, and farmer adaptation strategies $A$ which themselves depend on $R$ and $T$, summarized as $$Y = f(R, T, g(R, T))$$.