Evaluating adaptation strategies to coastal multihazards in sundarban biosphere reserve, India, using composite adaptation index: A household-level analysis

Abstract

Coastal areas are experiencing greater risk because of the increased frequency of multiple climate change-induced hazards. Thus, identification of suitable adaptation strategies for local communities has become imperative for lessening the impact of climate change. Although a large number of studies have touched upon the different components of vulnerability to coastal hazards, adaptation assessment has remained underemphasized in the existing literature. This paper assesses adaptation strategies to multiple coastal hazards in Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR), India. We collected socioeconomic data and responses on adaptation strategies opted for extreme climate events, economic activities, and coping mechanism from 570 households in the Reserve. Factor analysis was utilized to identify the significant adaptation strategies opted by the sampled households. This analysis provided 14 significant adaptation strategies, explaining around 66% of the total variation among 45 adaptation strategies pursued by the households. Correlation was performed to establish the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics of the households and adaptation strategies. A composite adaptation index was then constructed using principal component analysis (PCA) to ascertain the level of adaptation. Findings revealed very high adaptation in Kakdwip, Kultali, Sagar, Patharpratima, Namkhana, and Gosaba blocks and a high degree of adaptation was observed in Hingalganj and Basanti blocks of the SBR. These blocks are located along the coast and are frequently impacted by coastal hazards. The blocks connected to the mainland are less affected by the disasters and have moderate or low levels of adaptation. The adaptive measures should target group-oriented prioritizing of the vulnerable areas and communities. Livelihood diversification and provision of basic amenities and facilities may lessen vulnerability in the SBR. The principal component-based adaptation index analysis helped in understanding the relationship between climatic adaptation strategies and the socioeconomic condition of the coastal community.