Climate Change Vulnerabilities on Livelihood of Fishing and allied Communities of Southwest Coast of India: A Case Study of Azheekkal Fishing Village, Kerala, India

Fishermen on the southwest coast of India have been increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change over the past few years. Erratic weather patterns, fluctuating monsoons, frequent cyclones, and rising sea temperatures have significantly affected their livelihoods. The vulnerability indicator analysis following Garrett method in the current study indicates a marked reduction in fishing days, resulting in more jobless days and decreased income. Additionally, a decline in fish catch quality, and species loss due to overfishing, habitat destruction, lack of access to modern fishing technology, and pollution have compounded the challenges fishing communities face. Despite numerous government initiatives designed to uplift these fisher folk, many remain inadequately implemented or fail to reach those who need them most, leaving these communities educationally and economically disadvantaged. By bridging this knowledge gap and fostering scientific literacy among fishermen, these communities can be empowered to develop and actively implement effective adaptation strategies.