Impact of climate change on livelihood security in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh

Climate variation is a common phenomenon in Jhansi district of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. Climate change is putting an additional pressure on natural resources, viz. water, soil and biodiversity affecting livelihood of farmers in the region. The increase in main indicators of climate change such as average surface temperature, local variations in rainfall pattern, extreme weather events like more frequency and severity of droughts have been observed. Analysis of rainfall pattern of Jhansi for period of 36 years (1975–2010) showed that the frequency of drought has increased since 2000. Within the period of 10 years (2001–2010), the district faced continuous drought except 2001, 2003 and 2008. It is also observed that the trend of rise in average annual diurnal temperature is about 0.6°C in the district. As a result, declining of agriculture production is observed. Shortage of water, severe pest and diseases attack are affecting livelihood leading to migration of people. The development and adaptation measures may minimize the adverse impact of climate change and ensure the livelihood of farmers of the region.