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Contribution short abstract

Climate change is affecting the world, and the most vulnerable are the remote tribal communities with limited access to technology and climate mitigation strategies. Threfore, climate adaptation is a key sgtrategy that has been adopted by the communities in Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India.

Contribution long abstract

Climate change is an inevitable threat affecting ecosystems worldwide across all latitudes and longitudes. This can be attributed to human activities that have severely impacted numerous sectors, including water, forests, and agriculture. This has grave implications for a country like India, where natural resources play a crucial role in the state's economy. Therefore, India must prioritize its climate actions and address the agricultural sector.

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Nandurbar, in collaboration with YOJAK Center for Strategic Planning for Sustainable Development (YOJAK) and Dr. Hedgewar Seva Samiti (HSS), both not–for–profit organizations, have undertaken numerous community-led interventions which could be instrumental in addressing climate change in Navapur Taluk, Nandurbar District, Maharashtra. The interventions encompass groundwater recharge and water conservation, soil conservation and erosion reduction, smart agriculture and animal husbandry interventions, alternative livelihood solutions, rainwater mapping, and the development of various local-level institutions, such as Self–Help Groups (SHGs) and Water User Groups (WUGs).

Notably, the community has undertaken these interventions, and the tribal people of Bhil and Kokani descent have been instrumental in developing a successful local climate adaptation plan and creating institutions and infrastructure to mitigate the adverse effects of Climate change.

This Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) model encompasses knowledge and capacity building, as well as the preservation of traditional knowledge and belief systems, creating a blend of modern and traditional systems that empowers communities to thrive in harmony with nature. This paper presents a model for community-owned, climate-sensitive development initiatives that can be replicated in various landscapes with modifications.