Constraints Affecting Climate-Variability Adaptation among Livestock Rearers in the Bundelkhand Region, India

Abstract

This study examines at the constraints experienced by livestock rearers in the semi-arid Bundelkhand region, where recurrent droughts, uneven rainfall and shrinking natural resources have intensified climate stress, restricting their most prominent source of income in Bundelkhand region where the study was conducted. A structured interview schedule was used to collect information from 320 livestock rearers who were selected using simple random sampling, but only those who met the defined criteria were included at least 15 years of livestock-rearing experience and a minimum of four milch animals (cattle or buffalo). Covering 17 variables related to financial, institutional, environmental, technological and information-related challenges. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to group these variables into underlying components, following checks for sampling adequacy (KMO = 0.777) and suitability of the correlation matrix (Bartlett's x² = 495.078, p < 0.001). Six components with eigenvalues above one was retained, accounting for 51.066 percent of the total variance. These components reflected institutional and financial difficulties, gaps in digital access and information flow, shortcomings in veterinary and animal health services, limited advisory and infrastructure support, fodder and water shortages and the lack of localized climate information. The results point to a set of connected constraints that influence adaptive capacity across several domains rather than through isolated factors. Improving the resilience of livestock rearers in such settings will require a combination of measures that strengthen institutional arrangements, improve digital and climate-information services, expand veterinary and extension support and secure reliable fodder and water resources. A coordinated and locally grounded approach will be essential for enabling more informed decisions and supporting sustainable livestock-based livelihoods in Bundelkhand. The findings of the study offer useful direction for designing local adaptation strategies by showing where advisory support, financial protection, veterinary services, and basic resource investments must be strengthened to help livestock rearers cope more effectively with climate risks.