Determinants of farm-level adaptation diversity to cyclone and flood: insights from a farm household-level survey in Eastern India

Abstract

A large number of farmers' livelihoods are susceptible to cyclones and floods, and farmers are taking up several adaptation mechanisms. Previous studies, therefore, have examined determinants of various adaptation options and provide policy suggestions to promote a specific one. However, options are undertaken at different points depending on the nature and intensity of extreme events. Hence, it is imperative to identify factors influencing farmers' decisions to adopt an additional option, particularly during ex-ante and ex-post periods. This could assist policy-makers to enhance various farm-level adaptation options. Using survey data from 285 farm households in cyclone- and flood-prone regions in eastern India, this study aims to assess the determinants of adaptation diversity. This study finds that the likelihood of undertaking adaptation diversity is high during the ex-post period, and cyclone-affected farmers are likely to adopt a higher number of adaptation measures. Further, size of household, farming experience, per capita income, agriculture as major source of income and crop loss compensation received are some of the important determinants. These findings emphasize the need for investments in scientific modeling for better prediction of extreme events and suggest restructuring the existing institutions to promote several farm-level adaptation measures.