Understanding the Socio-economic Vulnerability of Farmers towards Climate Change in the Himalayan Ecosystem of India

Abstract

The impact of climate change has already been witnessed in different part of India and farming sector has faced the impact of this change more than other sectors. The farming communities of the Himalayan ecosystem seemed to be more vulnerable due to its difficult terrain and geography coupled with its high sensitivity to climate change. Therefore, the present study was conceptualized to assess the vulnerability level of farmers toward climate change in the Himalayan ecosystem of India. The state Himachal Pradesh was selected purposively keeping the impact of climate change in mind. Two districts namely Shimla and Kullu were selected purposively and a sample of one hundred farmers was randomly selected from these two vulnerable districts. Total twenty nine socio-economic and psychological variables were identified to determine the vulnerability level of farmers. Data were collected through personal interview and focused group discussion with structured schedule. Data were analyzed using statistical techniques like principal component analysis, regression analysis, mean, standard deviation etc. The results of the study revealed that vulnerability level was quite high in Himachal Pradesh (Index score 0.82). Majority of the respondents belonged to moderately vulnerable group (44%) followed by 38 per cent respondents in highly vulnerable group. The findings revealed that socio-economic variables like land holding, education, income, awareness level about climate change, communication pattern and psychological variables like achievement motivation, adaptive behavior, stress and pessimism were important predictors of vulnerability. It was inferred from the finding that the different socio-economic factors and personality characteristics of farmers must be considered for better implementation of any adaptation strategy.