A feasibility assessment of livelihood options adopted by drought affected climatic migrants in agricultural communities.

Abstract

Crop productivity and rural livelihoods are stressed due to extreme weather conditions, which has become a threat multiplier from recent past. Drought is one such impact frequently affected on agricultural communities. Drought affected farmers adopt diverse adaptive measures as coping strategies. Thus, this study aims to assess multiple adaptation strategies adopted by climate change-induced agricultural communities in Anuradhapura and Trincomalee Districts, the main agricultural districts suffered due to prolonged drought in 2017. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to gather primary data employing a questionnaire survey (n = 60) and key informant discussions (n = 5). A simple random sampling technique was used to draw the sample for the questionnaire survey. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data including a vulnerability index. Crop diversification has been adopted by 90% of farmers as a coping strategy that lessens risk and uncertainty (33%). Drought-resistant short-term crops (brinjal, okra, cassava, turkey berry, chilies, and mushroom) are being cultivated. Results reveal a substantial increase in engaging with secondary livelihood options, including self-employment (41%), migration (3%), temporary jobs (10%), petty trading (6%), and inland fishing (3%). However, 95% of climate-induced agricultural migrants opt to return to agriculture in a normalized climate condition. The Alternative Livelihood Vulnerability Index (ALVI) revealed that Anuradhapura and Trincomalee districts have the same level of vulnerability for alternative livelihoods, with a 0.44 index value. By adding scenarios to the ALVI model for reference comparison, this realistic strategy can be applied to monitor vulnerability, allocate program resources for support, and assess the potential efficacy of programs or policies in areas with limited information. It identifies that adaptation strategies are mostly welcomed by climate change-affected farmers, deterring transformation to another livelihood.