Assessment of Vulnerability of Farmers to Climate Change in Zone-II of Bihar, India

Abstract

"Climate unpredictability and weather extremes are additional challenges for farmers currently engaged in the low-technology based food production systems in Bihar. This study assessed the vulnerability of major crops growing farmers to climate change in zone-II of Bihar. Primary data, collected from 240 respondents using simple random sampling procedure and data were analysed employing descriptive statistic to describe the coping strategies adopted and Human Development Index (HDI) was also created to assess vulnerability of farmers to climate change. Statistical analyses indicated a vulnerability assessment index of 0.41, pointing to a fact that the Kosi region is prone to the adverse effects of climatic variability. For this reason, the study empirically under scores the need for farmers to adopt the planting of early maturing varieties of major crops in the region. Importantly, the capacity of the local communities needs to be strengthened vis-à-vis the relationship between climate change and crop production. Capacity building at the farm level is crucial for improving crop, soil and water management, enhancing the demand for and use of better and more efficient production inputs. The farm-level capacity building is the need to refocus public agricultural-based institutions towards exposing the growers to effective mitigation strategies in the wake of climate change, provision of agricultural inputs, expansion of irrigation, efficient and effective extension service delivery, market development and other forms of necessary support."