Adaptation strategies under climate induced natural disasters in coastal areas of Odisha

Abstract

Climate induced natural disasters (CINDs) like drought, flood and cyclone have become serious problems for the economy of coastal state like Odisha. This paper describes the climate induced natural disasters affecting the study areas and adaption strategies with respect to livelihoods and economic activities. It is found that in most years, adjustment in household activities combined with relief works provides the minimal succours (employment, food, etc). However, occasionally the situation gets worsen like the case in coastal Odisha since late 1990s. The study undertaken by WTCER (Presently ICAR-IIWM) revealed different coping mechanisms to climate induced natural disasters by different sections of the people and the management of natural resources also differ in different villages. The study focuses on coping strategies of the people to drought, flood and cyclone vulnerability in coastal Odisha. Rural people's perception and attitudes about natural disasters are also reported. For the study, a simple random sample was adopted and interviews were carried out through questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions. From the study a picture of coping responses (matrix) was built up. The common perception of rural households in the study area was that climate has changed for the worse with increased frequency as well as intensity of CIND events in recent years. Different adaption strategies with respect to crop, land and water are practiced in study areas.