The Multidimensional Livelihood Vulnerability Index – an instrument to measure livelihood vulnerability to change in the Hindu Kush Himalayas

Abstract

In recent years the population of the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) has been confronted with rapid social, economic, demographic, and political changes. In addition, the region is particularly vulnerable to climate change. However, there is a scarcity of cohesive information on the state of the environment and on the socio-economic situation of the approximately 210 million people who reside in the HKH. Specifically, data on livelihood vulnerability are lacking. As part of the Himalaya Climate Change Adaptation Programme, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, in consultation with regional and international partners, has developed the Multidimensional Livelihood Vulnerability Index (MLVI), a measure to explore and describe livelihood vulnerability to climatic, environmental, and socio-economic change in the HKH region. This paper documents how the MLVI was developed and demonstrates the utility of this approach by using primary household survey data of 16 selected districts of three sub-basins in the HKH region. The analysis gives important clues about differences in the intensity and composition of multidimensional livelihood vulnerability across these locations that should be useful to decision makers to identify areas of intervention and guide their measures to reduce vulnerability.

Mountain Child: Systematic Literature Review

“…Most documents do conclude that mountainous environments have a negative impact on the economic situation and human development of mountain communities; some literature explicitly theorises the concept of place , interpreting geographic location as the primary determinant of poverty and well-being. Explanatory factors include remoteness and geographic conditions (Bird et al [8], introducing a typology of “remote rural areas”; Ssewaya [62], on a mountainous area of Uganda; Jolliffe [29], on Afghanistan; UNICEF [64], on Lesotho; Gerlitz et al [22], looking at determinants of mountain poverty across the Hindu Kush Himalayas); cultural or ethnic distinctiveness or social-political exclusion (Baulch et al [6], Dang 15], both on Vietnam); environmental degradation [22]; and lack of access to external markets (Joshi [30] on Himalayan states of India). All of these factors can be exacerbated by the effects of rapid economic, social and climatic change (Walker [67], on childhood vulnerability to climate change in mountainous areas of Vietnam; Gerlitz et al [22]).…”

“…Explanatory factors include remoteness and geographic conditions (Bird et al [8], introducing a typology of “remote rural areas”; Ssewaya [62], on a mountainous area of Uganda; Jolliffe [29], on Afghanistan; UNICEF [64], on Lesotho; Gerlitz et al [22], looking at determinants of mountain poverty across the Hindu Kush Himalayas); cultural or ethnic distinctiveness or social-political exclusion (Baulch et al [6], Dang 15], both on Vietnam); environmental degradation [22]; and lack of access to external markets (Joshi [30] on Himalayan states of India). All of these factors can be exacerbated by the effects of rapid economic, social and climatic change (Walker [67], on childhood vulnerability to climate change in mountainous areas of Vietnam; Gerlitz et al [22]). The fragile balance can also be more catastrophically upset by natural disasters or violent conflict, both of which are often characteristic of mountainous regions [27], with impacts on all aspects of children’s lives (Asian Development Bank and World Bank [2], on the impact of the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan; Mohamed et al [42], on the impacts of violent conflict in the central highlands of Papua province, Indonesia).…”

“…Several recent studies have been able to map poverty indicators at a much more local level than previously, enabling a better understanding of specific geographic factors [53, 10, 68]). Mountain poverty is therefore complex and varied, and an understanding of the specific local conditions is vital in order to help develop appropriate interventions (Bayoumi [7], on a community-based birth registration project in the Nuba mountains in Sudan; Walker [67]; Gerlitz et al [22]).…”

“…[30], on the negative influence of market liberalisation; [19], on the downward spiral of poverty and environmental degradation). Many studies also consider intersecting vulnerabilities based on caste, class, gender and—of particular relevance here—generation, creating conditions of particular disadvantage for the most vulnerable members within mountain communities [20, 22, 49, 67]. Consequently, many advocate a child rights based approach [47, 48, 61, 67] and investment in improved accessibility, quality, and cultural appropriateness of services [1, 9, 50, 52, 66, 69].…”

“…For example, the negative impact on children’s wellbeing of gender inequality is a frequently recurring theme [20, 47–49, 52, 60, 63, 66]. However, much of the literature points to the agency of communities and of children themselves in challenging traditional practices and beliefs [49, 22] and in adapting to external pressures such as climate change [67] or constructing meaning and self-respect within their current situation [20]. Going beyond the scope of this review on the impacts of mountainous environments on children’s material wellbeing, the recurring theme of the strength and importance of mountain communities and, in particular, Dyson’s work, suggests that an alternative line of investigation could look at non-material effects such as mental health and wellbeing, constructed meanings, and identities.…”