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Climate change has become one of the greatest issues recently at a global level. The anticipated increase in global average temperature, as well as concomitant weather system alterations and rising sea levels, will have far-reaching consequences on the natural resources, with the threat to wipe out a huge number of species. The immediate short-term implications of climate change, according to climatic projections, will be on water, food, energy, biodiversity, and public health. Ultimately, affecting the livelihood of the population. India ranks seven in terms of climatic extremes and considering its population, poverty and limited resources, the impact of climate change is significant. Taking into account, the tribal population, they are the most vulnerable to the changing climate. This is because they represent the poorest of the poor population and are entirely dependent on natural resources which is subjected to high risk of climatic variability. Odisha, one of the tribal-dominated state in India, has recently experienced an upsurge in climatic hazards such as cyclones, droughts, and forest fires. As agriculture is the backbone of the economy and is completely rainfed, this sector is most assailable to the uncertainties of climate-induced patterns. The selected study areas of R. Udayagiri block of Gajapati district and Kuchinda block of Sambalpur district represents majority of the wadi area of Odisha and is subjected to trivial climatic hazards. Increasing incidences of droughts, cyclones, floods due to erratic rainfall and temperature rises, is reducing the agricultural productivity and negatively impacting the tribals. Women tribals are most sensitive to climate change as they engage themselves in majority of the agricultural activities. Hence, all agricultural activities must be climate proofed on an urgent basis in order to prevent such consequences. This report attempts to map the livelihood activities of both the blocks and assess the impacts of climatic hazards on them. Lastly, the report also suggests suitable adaptive strategies that can be considered to make agriculture climate resilient, without impacting their livelihood.
Keywords: climate change, hazards, livelihood, tribals, climate proofing, climate-resilient agriculture, adaptation, Odisha, Gajapati, Kuchinda.
