A SMARTPHONE APP FOR THE RISK AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF INDIAN AGRICULTURE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Abstract

Food security and agricultural sustainability face major challenges due to climate change. Climate change has far reaching effects on agriculture and climate projections have consequences for the long-term viability of agricultural output and the livelihoods of those who rely on it. Given the regional variability in both climate and climate change, not all regions are hit equally by this phenomenon, and the adaptation capacity to climate-related shocks also differs among regions. Building resilience in agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods requires a well thought-out and multi-pronged strategy involving adequate financial and human resources. To expand and focus on effective adaptation strategies, it is crucial to identify locations vulnerable to climate change. Our identification process is an a relative risk and vulnerability analysis across districts that are development and administrative units in India. Access to technology and information is one of the most important factors in empowering smallholders to make decisions. Specifically, farmers and other relevant agencies must have access to timely and relevant information to anticipate impending dangers. Through information and communication technology (ICT) initiatives, particularly the use of mobile phone-based communication platforms, farmers, extension workers, and policymakers can more effectively collaborate to provide advice on how to deal with these dangers. Using data from a risk assessment for climate change at the district level, a smartphone app called “Risk and Vulnerability Assessment of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change” was built. This Android app provides users with data on many factors and indicators of climate change risk in specific areas. The app is expected to enable policymakers, researchers, and extension workers to gain access to the data that they need to design adaptation initiatives and investments.