Impact of Climate Change on Marginal and Small Farmers' Livelihood and their Adaptation Strategies-A Review

Abstract

The objective of this paper has been to review the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of marginal (those cultivating less than one-hectare land) and small farmers (cultivating between 1 and 2 hectares land) and their coping and adaptation strategies enhancing their resilience to climate change. This paper reviewed literature including peer-reviewed papers, reports, and books related to climate change impacts on agriculture and livelihoods of marginal and small farmers in developing countries. The findings reveal that marginal and small farmers are vulnerable to climate change and variability, on account of their marginalized status, direct reliance on agriculture for their livelihoods, and inadequate resources and capacity to deal with adversities. The review found that climate change is negatively impacting livelihoods of marginal and small farmers by reducing crop and animal yields, crop failures, crop and animal diseases outbreak, livestock mortality, shortage of pasture and water for livestock all of which eventuates in reduced farm income, food insecurity and a downward spiral in social and economic indicators like health, education, and wellbeing. Although marginal and small farmers are using diverse coping and adaptation strategies some of which are climate-smart as well, they are constrained by several social, economic, and institutional factors which reveal the need for planned or policy-driven adaptation practices. The literature suggests mainstreaming adaptation into development planning and programs as the best option to help farmers in their adaptation practices and also to avoid working at cross-purposes but more judiciously use of resources.