Assessment of Climate Change Led Vulnerability and Simulating the Adaptive Behaviour of Farmers in the Himalayan and Arid Ecosystems
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Date
2014
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Publisher
Division of Agricultural Extension Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi
Abstract
The present study was conducted with the objective of assessing vulnerability level of
farmers toward climate change in the Himalayan and Arid ecosystems of India. A sample of two
hundred farmers, hundred each from Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan representing the
Himalayan and Arid ecosystem, respectively were selected. Total twenty nine socio-economic and
psychological variables were selected after consultation with the experts 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 more in Himachal Pradesh (Index score 0.82) than Rajasthan
(0.73). Thirty eight per cent respondents in Himachal Pradesh belonged to highly vulnerable group
as against 31 per cent of Rajasthan. Majority of the respondents in both the states were classified
as moderately vulnerable (44% in Himachal Pradesh and 43% in Rajasthan). Multiple linear
regression analysis was carried out to identify the predictor variables of vulnerability. 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 inclusion of socio-economic factors and personality
characteristics of farmers is a pre-requisite before formulating any adaptation strategy.
Description
Keywords
Climate Change, Led Vulnerability, Simulating , Adaptive Behaviour , Farmers, Himalayan, Arid Ecosystems