Managing Extreme Heat Through Indigenous Knowledge and Practices at Four Villages in Wardha, India

Rural India faces increasing threats from rising temperatures. The increased frequency and severity of heat waves have highlighted the urgent need for implementing heat-resilient strategies. This study aims to discuss extreme heat management through traditional and indigenous knowledge and practices. In six structured focus group discussions in Wardha district of Maharashtra (India), 86 participants expressed their views. Three broad categories emerged from the discussion groups: (a) home, housing and building-infrastructure related, (b) daily practices during work and livelihood activities and (c) home remedies for heat-related symptoms. The study highlights a need to integrate indigenous knowledge and community-based practices within the framework of India’s Heat Action Plans to combat heat-related illness and to develop individual and community resilience.