To assess the vulnerability of food security to climate variability
Student name: Ms Bhargavi Nagendra
Guide: Dr Chubamenla Jamir
Year of completion: 2016
Host Organisation: Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute, Bangalore
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr O.K. Rema Devi
Abstract: This paper examines the development of an index- Food Security Climate Vulnerability Index (FSCVI) to assess the vulnerability of food security among marginal farmers to climate change in Dodderi Gram Panchayat, Madhugiri Taluk in the state of Karnataka. 50 households were sampled from 8 villages to collect data on food availability, access, utilization and food stability using key indicators. The collected data was aggregated using a composite index. Results suggest that Dodderi GP is highly vulnerable in the component of availability of food. Overall index value also suggests that Dodderi GP is very vulnerable. The impact of climate change on food security differs between regions. There might be other drivers that rank higher as factors influencing food security than other direct effects of climate change. In this study the shortage of water and reduced groundwater levels have direct effects. This approach and index can be used in the future to assess the baseline vulnerability of a particular Gram Panchayat, program resources for assistance, and develop policy interventions especially in data scarce regions.
Key words: Food security, climate change, vulnerability, adaptation, livelihood.
