Addressing Climate Change Uncertainty in Dryland Kachchh, India

Abstract

The semi-arid district of Kachchh in Gujarat, India is known for its erratic rainfall, water scarcity, and droughts. Climate change has intensified extreme temperature and rainfall patterns and also led to changes to the long coastline. These are affecting not only the lives and livelihoods of local people, but also threatening the vibrant ecosystem of Kachchh. While locals are pushed to the limits of coping, government interventions are driven by top-down measures. Strategies geared towards adapting to these changes need to be grounded in local experiences if they are to address the many uncertainties brought about by climate change alongside other rapid socioeconomic changes in Kachchh.