17-An Integrated Impact Assessment Based on a Sustainable Livelihoods Framework.

Abstract

Climatic variability and weather related changes have had a significant impact on the lives of people. In rural areas, one sees an even harsher impact of these changes on the lives of people. Climatic variability is also accompanied by natural disasters which have had a significant impact and disastrous which has been characterized by damage to property, loss of lives and many others which deter the harmonious lives of people. Therefore assessing the degree of damage is required in order to come up with a plausible solution to assist those who are victims of these natural calamities. It is in this context that the concept of vulnerability is rather important. The understanding and definition of vulnerability has changed overtime with researchers putting forth aspects of vulnerability that has changed the dynamics of the concept in itself. Vulnerability has been continuously evolving and is a study in itself. There are varied literature and work that have used the framework of vulnerability as an important tool of analysis. One such framework is the Livelihood Vulnerability Index. This framework has been used in this study as well. The study has gone one step further and created a gender based livelihood vulnerability framework as well. The study area, Tikamgarh is located in drought prone Bundelkhand; Madhya Pradesh. The people of this area have experienced severe drought for over five years. This implies an augmented and extreme scarcity of water which has inadvertently had an impact on the livelihood of the people in the area. The project undertaken in this area focuses on addressing the pertinent issue of water scarcity along with creating systems that can change the lives of people. Designing of a livelihood vulnerability Index implies taking into consideration various aspects that showcase the quality of life of the people and more importantly their ability to cope. Vulnerability and resilience despite being two opposite ends of the spectrum are interrelated. The degree of vulnerability will help understand the pattern of resilience. The following study is both a quantitative and qualitative one that showcases the degree of vulnerability by quantifying it into an index and qualitatively by showcasing the findings of the field survey that had been undertaken. This combination can help understand the situation and context from varied perspectives and take into consideration aspects of vulnerability and its analyses.