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.
