Climate Change Vulnerability and Rural Livelihoods: Evidence, Coping Mechanisms and Lessons Learnt from Cold Desert of Leh in North-West Himalayas

This paper has analyzed the rural poor households’ vulnerability and adaptation practices to climate change, and has drawn lessons focusing on vulnerability-livelihood interactions in the cold desert of Leh in north-west Himalayas. The paper is based on the primary data collected from 675 households of 27 villages in district Leh and has used a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. The study has revealed that climate shocks have caused food insecurity to 22.4 per cent of households. Gender norms constrain 46 per cent of women's participation in community decision-making related to climate risk reduction. It has been observed that nearly one-third of households use seasonal migration as livelihood diversification mechanism; however, this makes women and children more vulnerable. Some tactical adaptations used by small farmers in response to persistent droughts include selling of livestock (20.4%), expanding agriculture lands (24.8%), and use of relief cash and foods (63.0%). The study has observed the need of integrating gender considerations and engaging vulnerable population to support and promote climate resilient livelihoods and food security.