IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD AMONG PVTGS OF WEST BENGAL: A CASE STUDY OF LODHA AND BIRHOR

Abstract

Climate change significantly threatens the sustainable livelihood of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in South Bengal. The Lodha and Birhor are two PVTG in South Bengal. These communities, who are deeply intertwined with natural resources and traditional practices, are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate variability and change. Erratic rainfall patterns disrupt agricultural cycles, leading to unpredictable crop yields and soil degradation. This instability undermines food security and economic stability, as agriculture remains a primary livelihood source for these groups. This study explores how alterations in climate patterns, such as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, are impacting the agricultural practices, water resources, and overall socio-economic stability of these communities. This paper’s one of the aims is to identify the relationship between forest and the indigenous people (PVTG) due to climate change. The study deals with socio-economic activities of the PVTG have to survive themselves on the basis of changing climate. This article also highlights about a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the community during lean periods and second part indicates that climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, leading to severe consequences such as decreased agricultural productivity, heightened food insecurity, and forced migration. These changes threaten the traditional knowledge systems and cultural heritage of the PVTGs, making them further marginalized. Lastly the authors highlight the urgent need for tailored adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on PVTGs in South Bengal. By addressing both the environmental and socio-economic dimensions of vulnerability, it is possible to enhance the resilience and sustainability of these marginalized communities in the face of a changing climate.