How Do Marginal and Small Farmers Perceive the Impacts of Climate Change on Livelihoods? A Case Study from Jammu Region, India

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived impacts of climate change on livelihoods of marginal and small farmers
in Jammu region, India. The objectives of the study have been to analyze the impacts of climate change on crop farming and livestock rearing by marginal and small farmers in study area, to understand socio-economic implications of climate change impact on livelihoods, and to draw policy implications for ameliorating the livelihoods of marginal and small farmers in changed climatic conditions. The study is confined to irrigated and non-irrigated areas in Jammu and Rajouri districts of Jammu region. The study is based on primary data collected from household survey using pre-tested structured questionnaires. A total of 600 farm households were selected using the multistage sampling technique. The study findings revealed that while climate change was negatively affecting livelihoods of marginal and small farmers in both irrigated and non-irrigated agriculture through reduced crop and animal yields, crop damages, crop and animal diseases, weed infestations and pest/insect attacks on crops, the adverse impacts were experienced by comparatively more marginal and small farmers in non-irrigated agriculture. The study further noted finer variations in socio-economic impacts from households to households which can be attributed to their involvement in diverse livelihood strategies providing them with increased income security. For enhancing their resilience to climate change, the governments should-create more research capacity to enhance development and timely supply of hybrid seeds and varieties at subsidized rates; strengthen agriculture extension services to give them knowledge, information and technical support; improve animal health service delivery system with improved knowledge and technique to prevent and timely treatment of climate change-induced disease outbreaks among animals; introduce small irrigation schemes like drip irrigation and sprinkle irrigation schemes in non-irrigated areas and promote rainwater harvesting technique for irrigation in dry periods.