Analyzing Climate Change Perception and Adaptation Methods of People in the North-Western Himalayas, Kashmir
Abstract
This study examines how indigenous people in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India, perceive climate change and their adaptive strategies to cope with environmental changes. It also investigates their beliefs about the implications of climate change. The study employed purposive sampling to select the area and random sampling to choose 400 household respondents from Quailmuqam, Malangam, and Panar areas. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The findings indicate that 82.6% of respondents observed rising temperatures, 91.8% noted a decline in snowfall frequency, 89.3% reported reduced snowfall intensity, 89.5% saw a decrease in rainfall frequency, and 90.8% experienced lower rainfall intensity. Additionally, respondents reported deteriorating forest and pasture lands, shrinking snow cover, and diminished water availability. Most respondents believe extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and will continue to do so, with 80% anticipating increased glacial outbursts, landslides, and floods, potentially harming their livelihoods. To address these challenges, respondents have adopted measures such as social forestry, water conservation, fire control, intercropping, crop rotation, and soil conservation techniques like mulching and terracing. This study provides valuable insights into indigenous perceptions and adaptive practices, aiding policymakers in developing more effective climate resilience strategies for the Himalayan region.