Impact of climate change on rural livelihoods: climate change adaptation approaches to sustainable livelihoods in Gujarat
Student name: Ms Suchita Awasthi
Guide: Ms Nimish Jha
Year of completion: 2012
Host Organisation: Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA)
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Pramod K. Singh
Abstract: The study aimed at assessing the impacts of climate change on the rural livelihoods and
exploring the adaptation options that are currently being practiced by the people of Gujarat to
achieve sustainable and secure livelihood. To evaluate the practices Sustainable Livelihood
Framework has been used. The study also includes vulnerability assessment of rural livelihoods
against the exposure of climate change in the rural Gujarat. Climate change has direct impacts
on natural resources, this adversely effects those who are totally dependent on these resources
for their sustenance. Gujarat has witnessed a lot many natural hazards, it has faced 12 major
droughts and many cyclones and floods. The rural economy is totally climate dependent, so any
kind of climate variability has serious damages to rural livelihood. Results show Porbandar and
Kachchh to be the most vulnerable districts of Gujarat. This result is derived from Adaptive
capacity index and climate sensitivity index that includes indicators for livelihoods and sensitive
areas respectively. Results vary slightly for adaptive capacity index where tribal districts are
revealed to be more vulnerable like Panchmahals, Dahod and Kachchh. This assessment helps to
examine which region to prioritize while designing policies or taking any initiatives. Gujarat has
always been praised for its efforts to deal with climate change. And it is clearly visible in forms
of sea dykes that have been built against sea level rise, steps taken to deal with water scarcity,
and livelihood diversification. Adaptation initiatives taken by villagers are listed down. In the
form of case studies that range from land to water based initiatives, where people have taken
steps to secure their livelihoods. A large number of Non Governmental organizations are active
in the states which support these initiatives taken by rural masses. Government also back-up
these people to encourage them to follow sustainable practices so as to strengthen their
livelihoods.
Keywords: Climate change, Livelihood, Vulnerability, Adaptation, Sensitivity, Climate variability
