Modeling multidimensional poverty and vulnerability of snake charmers: a cross-state comparative analysis of Bihar and Odisha, India

Abstract

The present study applies a composite index, after compensating livelihood vulnerability index and climatic vulnerability index, where the core part lies with the foundation of IPCC’s model. The encompassing subject of appraisal is the multidimensional poverty and vulnerability conditions of snake charmers in two eastern states of India (Bihar and Odisha), due to external shocks and stressors coming from the stringent environment laws and the effect of globalization. Here, three major dimensions (i.e. exposure, adaptive capacity and sensitivity), eight major components (i.e. socio-demographic profile, livelihood strategies, social network, food, health, water, impact of laws, and impact of globalization), and 82 sub-components or indicators have been integrated in accordance with the requirement of the study, for addressing the survival vulnerability of this marginal group. Based on the survey of 208 (Bihar) and 226 (Odisha) household data, a customized index is computed and varied dimension-wise and major component-wise vulnerabilities are compared spatially. The results have established almost similar scenarios of survival vulnerability of snake charmers across the states. Whereas in the two respective states the dimension of exposure is higher than rest dimensions like adaptive capacity and sensitivity, and this dimension indirectly affects the other two, which creates the ultimate vulnerability and not only reduces the resiliencies for adaptation but also enhance the magnitude of sensitivity. This pragmatic SuVI would be useful for assessing the vulnerability of any marginal group and also for reframing crisis-oriented policy and program, precisely for breaking the ‘chain’ of the vicious circle of misery from snake charmers’ lives.