Climate Change and Livelihood Vulnerability of Rural Households: A Case Study from Doda District of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

The study of vulnerability arising due to climate change is one of the most important aspects which requires a comprehensive discussion and understanding. The Vulnerability was originally conceived by Geographers to study calamities like hazards, famines, etc. One of the most important tools to access the vulnerability of any area is the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI). This paper tries to analyze the vulnerability of rural households to climate change by constructing the LVI. Doda district is large, so for this study two blocks namely Doda and Bhaderwah were taken and the sample size was 300. The overall LVI for the whole study area out to be considered moderate in terms of livelihood vulnerability. In terms of blocks, the LVI of Doda is 0.413 whereas the LVI of Bhaderwah is 0.408. Among the capitals, households were most vulnerable in terms of Financial capital (0.448) followed by followed by Physical capital (0.426), Social capital (0.410), Human capital (0.386) and lastly Natural capital (0.377). As per local households, livelihood vulnerability was mainly because of poor infrastructures, limited education and healthcare and inadequate knowledge and skills in income generating activities. The impact of climate change on the components has shown an increasing trend during the last decades and if proper measures are not taken, the vulnerability will increase in the future. The study will help policymakers to frame policies so as to reduce the vulnerability of rural households and provide them better living environment.