Impact of climate change on nomadic herders’ livelihoods: a case study of the Bakarwal tribe in the western Himalayas in India

Abstract

Abstract This study quantifies the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of nomadic herders in the western Himalayas in India, who depend on natural resources for their livelihood, and are herding livestock. In this research paper, we collected primary data from 235 nomadic herders on their perceptions regarding the variables of climate change. We analysed the primary data using factor analysis and found that due to climate change, in the last few decades, nomads have experienced less and untimely rainfall and increased temperature, which ultimately results in the fallen growth of pasture, degraded quality and quantity of pasture, pasture plants being replaced by weedy plants, shrunken the harvesting time of pasture, drying of sources of water in later days at winter residence, seasons have changed, experiencing unstable weather, and reduced grazing areas are bringing the drought-like situation in the area. Further, this creates significant challenges in raising livestock with less pasture, water availability, increased environmental diseases risk bringing starvation and death of animals, falling the quality and quantity of milk, wool and meat, and lowered the market price of final goods. This has a serious impact on the economic activities of nomadic herders in the region. Climate change also forced the nomadic herders in the region to early migration, which allowed them to face difficulties such as ice over mountain passes, less grass along the paths for grazing, unexpected avalanches, thunderstorms or hailstorms and intense rains on the way to uplands. Finally, this study brings to the notice of policymakers, climatologists, local governments, and animal health departments that climate change is endangering the life of nomadic herders, and we should develop appropriate plans to minimize the loss.