Paper Details

Climate change represents one of the most pressing global challenges, profoundly disrupting natural systems, human livelihoods, and agricultural productivity. In agrarian regions such as Bundelkhand, India, where communities are heavily dependent on climate-sensitive resources, these changes are being felt most acutely. This research focuses on five villages—Kali Pahadi, Durgapur, Aghora, Pallothar, and Nonner—located within Datia district, Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, India each precisely identified through their geographical coordinates. The study aims to assess farmers’ perceptions of climate change, its observed impacts on agriculture, and the adaptive responses adopted at the grassroots level. A purposive sample of 100 farmers (20 from each village) was selected to ensure diversity in age, landholding size, and socio-economic background, enabling a nuanced understanding of local realities. Drawing from an extensive review of literature (United Nations, 2023; Alley et al., 1999; Stern et al., 2013; IPCC, 2023; Kurukulasuriya & Rosenthal, 2003; Stocker et al., 2013; Habtemariam et al., 2017; Antronico et al., 2020; Masud et al., 2015; Funatsu et al., 2019), the research integrates global insights with regional evidence to contextualize the lived experiences of Datia’s farmers. The findings reveal that climate variability—manifested through irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures—has significantly affected agricultural output and livelihoods. Farmers demonstrate awareness of these changes; however, their adaptive measures remain predominantly traditional and limited by financial and infrastructural constraints. The study also highlights village-level variations in perception and adaptation linked to water availability, institutional outreach, and local environmental conditions. By synthesizing empirical field data with theoretical perspectives, this study contributes to understanding how climate change is perceived and navigated at the community level. The paper concludes that strengthening local adaptive capacity requires a combination of awareness-building, participatory planning, and policy integration. Recommendations framed by the Global Foundation for Advancement of Environment and Human Wellness emphasize sustainable, community-led approaches that reinforce resilience, equity, and long-term environmental stewardship in the Bundelkhand region.

Climate Change; Farmers’ Perception; Bundelkhand; Datia District; Climate Adaptation; Agriculture; Livelihood Vulnerability; Environmental Awareness; Community Resilience.