Mapping micro-level agricultural vulnerability to climate change: an indicator-based analysis across districts of Jharkhand state of India

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India’s changing climatic pattern has negatively impacted its agriculture-dependent rural economy, particularly in climatically vulnerable regions. State and national assessments have identified Jharkhand’s high climate variability and district-level vulnerability, which impacts agriculture, livestock, and livelihoods. New models can improve micro-level risk mapping to inform targeted adaptation and policy. A vulnerability index comprising Exposure, Sensitivity, and Adaptive Capacity indicators relevant to agriculture and dairy sectors was developed by normalization, followed by PCA for assigning weights to each indicator. Later, the districts of Jharkhand were categorized into high, moderate, and low vulnerability based on their Index scores. The highest exposure in the Vulnerability index was in Garhwa (0.617) and the lowest in East Singhbhum (0.176). The highest sensitivity was found in Latehar (0.695) and the lowest in Ranchi (0.281). Giridih (0.615) had the highest adaptive capacity and Lowest in Koderma (0.122). Latehar (0.967), followed by Chatra (0.907) , had highest vulnerability scores due to highest exposure and sensitivity with low to moderate adaptive capacity. District-level vulnerability mapping indicated that eight districts fell into the highly vulnerable category and ten into the moderate category . Policymakers may consider expanding micro-irrigation networks, raising awareness of climate change and incorporating livelihood diversification while formulating developmental projects.