Trapped within nature: climatic variability and its impact on traditional livelihood of Gaddi transhumance of Indian Himalayas

Abstract

ABSTRACT Gaddi’s are a tribal community, practicing transhumance in the state of Himachal Pradesh in the Indian Himalayas. Transhumance is the seasonal movement (vertical movement) of people with their livestock between fixed higher pasture lands in summer and lower valleys in winter. Due to climate change, the livelihood security of the indigenous community is endangered. The current study explores the problems faced by the Gaddi community in the Chamba district, and how climate change is threatening the traditional transhumant lifestyle. To assess the pattern of climate change in the region, data pertaining to monthly average rainfall and temperature were collected from the India Meteorological Department and was analysed for trend analysis. The climatic data were divided into eight clusters and detailed season-wise analysis was done with the help of various statistical tests. Further, a primary survey of 46 households was conducted to assess the ground-level changes. Transhumance routes followed by the Gaddi community were mapped and overlaid on Land Use/Land Cover maps for the period between 1978 and 2018. The results show an increasing trend in the temperature coupled with declining trend in rainfall and a characteristic shift in the land use pattern over the period. The effect of change in the climate and land use pattern is reflected in the altered course of routes followed by the Gaddi’s. The study indicates this livelihood practice is on the verge of extinction, special attention needs to be paid to this vulnerable indigenous tribal community for a resilient Himalayan ecosystem.