An integrated approach for managing drought risks in the eastern himalayan region of India

Climate Risk Assessment (CRA), when applied through an integrated approach, enables the evaluation of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability within a unified framework, recognizing the interconnections between climate risks and both natural and social systems. This study uses Sikkim, a small state in the Indian Eastern Himalayan Region, as a case study to conduct a climate risk assessment of agricultural drought at the sub-national level. The objective was to identify the district most at risk from agricultural drought and determine the primary contributors to drought risk to support the development of effective adaptation strategies. The findings reveal that while all districts in Sikkim are moderately drought-prone, the main factor contributing to drought risk is the high sensitivity of the agricultural sector to drought and the limited adaptive capacity of farmers. Many marginal and small farmers rely on rainfed irrigation and have poor adaptive capacity, making them highly vulnerable to even moderate drought conditions. The study highlights that while mitigating drought hazards is important, it is a complex and long-term endeavor. Therefore, strengthening farmers' resilience by reducing their sensitivity and enhancing their adaptive capacity is essential for effectively reducing drought risks in Sikkim.