Livelihood vulnerability to climate change in Rural Tripura, India: A Comparative Study of the Tribal and Non-Tribal Households

Abstract

Climate change is a harsh reality that has a significant impact on livelihood strategies in general, and agricultural-based ones in particular. Agriculture is the principal source of livelihood in the majority of North Eastern states, including Tripura. In the absence of alternate employment opportunities and planned activities, people’s livelihoods are likely to suffer as a result of climatic variability. In this context, the LVIIPCC technique has been used to explain the extent of climate vulnerability among tribal viz-a-viz nontribal population of Tripura. A total of 400 respondents from 40 villages of two districts in Tripura are surveyed based on a combination of informal interviews, a questionnaire survey, and Focused Group Discussions (FGD). The findings suggested that tribal households were more exposed to climate change. Furthermore, because of their greater sensitivity and lesser adaptation capacity, they were more likely to be vulnerable to climate change than non tribal households. The findings provide a scientific basis for policymakers in rural Tripura to priorities options to strengthen livelihood capitals and climate change adaptation ability.