Understanding Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation among Farmers: A Micro-Level Study from the North Western Himalayas

Abstract

Climate change poses serious threats to agriculture and horticulture, particularly in ecologically fragile and climate-sensitive regions such as the North Western Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. This study investigates farmers’ perceptions of climate change and the adaptation strategies they employ in response. The region, marked by limited livelihood opportunities and high vulnerability to climatic extremes, remains underexplored with respect to localized climate resilience. To address this gap, an empirical study was conducted using primary data from 384 randomly selected respondents via a structured questionnaire, supplemented with secondary sources. Statistical tools such as ANOVA, chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, the Weighted Average Index (WAI), and the Adaptation Strategies Index (ASI) were employed. The results reveal a significant association between climate variability and farmers’ livelihoods. Major climatic stressors include erratic rainfall (WAI = 4.6), reduced snowfall (WAI = 4.1), and rising temperatures (WAI = 3.8), all of which have negatively affected agricultural productivity and farming calendars. In response, farmers are adopting adaptation practices such as mixed cropping (WAI = 4.6), crop diversification (WAI = 4.5), improved irrigation (WAI = 4.1), and enhanced post-harvest management (WAI = 4.5). However, several barriers—including limited financial resources, poor infrastructure, and weak institutional support—continue to constrain adaptive capacity. The study also identifies a strong positive correlation between deteriorating climatic conditions and rising poverty levels (ρ = 0.773, p = 0.000). Furthermore, farmers’ projections of future climate scenarios were significantly associated with their choice of adaptation strategies (Chi-square = 300.000, p = 0.000), underscoring the critical role of perception in shaping responses. These findings highlight the urgent need for policy interventions that integrate farmers’ insights into adaptation planning. Strategies such as climate-resilient crops, efficient irrigation systems, agricultural insurance, and strengthened institutional support are essential for building climate-resilient farming communities in the Himalayan region.