Impressions of Coastal Communities on Climate Change and Livelihood: A Case Study of Coastal Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The socio-economic and institutional systems of a developing country like India have a big role in the effects of perception on the choice of adapting capability. The study uses exploratory factor analysis to better understand these implications in a regional context (EFA). Therefore, survey research is carried out in Sindhudurg district of coastal Maharashtra, with 410 respondents, assessing perception. EFA leads to the unpacking of latent constructs evaluating the perception of climate change, which in turn affects adaptive capacity and livelihood resilience. These constructs are biophysical impact cognition, motivation to change, economic diversification, and adaptive skills, which together account for 50% of coastal fishermen’s perception of climate change. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed differences in the interpretation of these factors among coastal fishermen from various backgrounds (MANOVA). Overall, the research emphasizes the importance of perception in determining adaptive choices and resilience. According to the findings, developing adaptation-friendly infrastructural areas is recommended for society’s resilient functioning.