Climate Change Awareness and Vulnerability among Farming Communities of Konkan Region, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

This research paper presents an analysis of awareness and vulnerability to climate change among farming communities in a specific study area. The study focuses on understanding the level of awareness among respondents regarding climate change and its associated impacts. Additionally, it looks into the affecting socio economic factors of the level of awareness among farming communities. Furthermore, the study assesses the vulnerability of the farmers to climate change, considering indicators such as exposure to disasters and perceived extent of loss. Based on the analysis of data collected from 245 respondents, it was found that a significant majority of participants demonstrated awareness of changing weather patterns and the warming of the climate. However, a lower level of awareness was observed regarding the significance of addressing climate change as an important issue. In terms of vulnerability, the findings indicated that a considerable number of respondents had experienced various climate-related disasters, including unpredictable rain, floods, cyclones, and outbreaks of disease or pests. The perceived extent of loss varied among respondents, with agriculture and related aspects being most affected. Using a vulnerability categorization method, it was determined that a significant proportion of respondents fell into the low and very low vulnerability categories.