Assessing Livelihood Vulnerability of Rural Mountain Communities to Climate Change in Eastern Himalayan Region of West Bengal and Sikkim, India

Rural mountain communities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, attributable to their significant exposure to various hazards and their pronounced dependence on natural resources. This research aims to evaluate livelihood vulnerability utilizing both Hahn's Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) methodology and the IPCC-LVI framework, facilitating a comparison of vulnerability levels across four distinct altitudinal zones in the Himalayan region of West Bengal and Sikkim, India. Moreover, it investigates the characteristics of vulnerability in terms of exposure and sensitivity, while also exploring the adaptive strategies that these communities currently employ. A total of 320 household-level data was collected from four villages: two located in Darjeeling District, one in Kalimpong District, and one in West Sikkim District. The findings of the study reveal a vulnerability pattern that correlates with altitude. Sribadam, situated at the highest altitude, exhibited the least vulnerability owing to its robust adaptive capacity. Duptin demonstrated moderate vulnerability stemming from high sensitivity. Kashone encountered substantial exposure coupled with fragile institutional frameworks. Chenga, positioned at the lowest altitude, was identified as the most vulnerable due to high exposure and insufficient livelihood diversification. The study highlights the imperative for policies aimed at enhancing adaptive capacity across varying altitudes by improving access to governmental programs, particularly in lower-altitude regions. Key actions consist of promoting agricultural diversity, implementing water conservation practices, providing gender-sensitive extension services, offering skill development workshops, organizing health camps, and fostering climate awareness initiatives. Local perceptions must be integral to the formulation of localized strategies to effectively bolster climate resilience.