Flood-Induced Vulnerability in a Below Sea Level Farming System in Southern India: An Assessment through Coping Strategy Intensity.

Abstract

This paper examines the livelihood vulnerability experienced by the agricultural households in Kuttanad, a Below Sea Level Farming System located in Southern India, in the aftermath of 2018 flood. For this purpose, we constructed a flood coping strategy index (FCSI), a measure of the coping strategy intensity, using the data on severity and frequency of various coping strategies adopted by the households. Further, we estimated a Tobit regression model to identify the factors influencing the intensity of coping strategy choices. FCSI revealed that only 2 per cent of agricultural households experienced severe level of vulnerability because of the quick and effective policy response by the state government. Further, Tobit regression analysis suggested that female-headed households and labour households are more vulnerable than their respective counterparts. While income exerts a negative influence on the level of livelihood vulnerability, agricultural land holding has a positive effect as it increases cultivation loss during flood. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.