DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.186186.1 ISSN: 2046-1402

CLIMATE CHANGE AND LIVELIHOOD VULNERABILITY: ANALYZING RISKS AMONG ODISHA’S PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS (PVTGS)

Srutee Badu, Shreya Chatterjee, Mrinalini Banerjee
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Background Climate change has become a major challenge for marginalized communities, particularly the 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Odisha, whose livelihoods depend heavily on forests and natural resources. Traditional activities such as shifting cultivation, collection of minor forest produce, hunting, handicrafts, and wage labour are increasingly threatened by cyclones, floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall. Despite growing concern over climate change, limited research has examined its specific impact on the livelihoods and resilience of Odisha’s PVTGs. Methods This study adopts a doctrinal method supported by secondary data analysis. It draws upon an extensive review of academic literature, government reports, policy documents, and published case studies to examine the relationship between climate variability and the livelihoods of Odisha’s PVTGs. The analysis focuses on how climate-induced environmental changes interact with structural and institutional challenges, including geographical isolation, inadequate infrastructure, limited market access, and insufficient institutional support. Results Many interesting findings indicate that climate change has significantly disrupted the traditional livelihood practices of Odisha’s PVTGs by reducing agricultural productivity, availability of forest resources, and increasing livelihood insecurity. Climate-induced risks have compelled many community members to shift from traditional occupations towards daily wage labour and other informal employment opportunities. This transition not only increases economic vulnerability but also threatens the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems, cultural identity, and traditional ecological practices. Conclusion Climate change threatens the livelihoods and cultural sustainability of Odisha’s PVTGs. Building resilience requires participatory, culturally sensitive approaches that involve indigenous communities in decision-making. Policies should promote livelihood diversification, strengthen institutional support, and recognize traditional ecological knowledge to achieve sustainable development while preserving the socio-cultural identity of these vulnerable communities. This article will pave a way towards future studies.

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