Role of Autonomous Adaptation to Climate Change in Agriculture: A Survey-Based Analysis of Bihar, India

Abstract

Abstract Climate change is having adverse implications for agricultural yields in India, especially in Bihar. Bihar is also less resilient to climate change requiring climate adaptation. Within adaptation, it is important to understand the channels of autonomous adaptation besides planned adaptation. So far, most studies have had the focus on technology-based planned adaptation, while autonomous adaptation has gained eminence for sustainability in agriculture. This research fills the gap to understand the role of autonomous adaptation – through channels of inherent ability and community networks – on agricultural productivity in case of paddy and wheat crops. We use a mix of quantitative perception analysis and survey econometric methods to delineate the role of these two channels. The survey of farmers is based on stratified random sampling for two districts of Bihar, belonging to different agro-climatic zones: Gaya (drought-prone) and Purnia (flood-prone). Our research finds that farming communities are discerning about climate change and rely on adaptation, through planned and autonomous channels. The effectiveness of planned adaptation is rather weak in both districts. The main empirical finding is that ancestral knowledge and community networks have positive impacts on paddy and wheat yields. However, results differ for types of community networks. Formal community networks boost crop yields, while informal community networks dampen paddy yields, but improve wheat yields in both districts.