An empirical investigation of factors affecting vulnerability to climate change of char dwelling households in Assam, India

Abstract High levels of poverty and vulnerability can be seen in the sandy river islands and attached lands of rivers of Brahmaputra territory in Assam, popularly known as char regions. Our objective is to assess the vulnerability to climate change of char dwellers of Assam by identifying the variables affecting their situation and the contribution of coping mechanisms to mitigating it. We employ the vulnerability as uninsured exposure to risk (VER) econometric model, which is an “ex post facto analysis” of household vulnerability to climate change. The 2SLS-IV technique is used in this VER model to take into consideration the endogeneity of coping, which is impacted by institutional factors and household characteristics. Unlike conventional vulnerability assessments, this method accounts for endogeneity in coping strategies, revealing how institutional factors and household characteristics shape their coping techniques. Empirical analysis of 394 household-level data across four agro-climatic zones shows that adaptation measures significantly reduce economic vulnerability (storm-resistant homes lower economic loss by 68.1%, flood-resistant homes by 57.3%, and access to healthcare by 33.5%). However, government assistance negatively affects coping efficiency (coefficient − 0.305, p < 0.01), reinforcing concerns over “aid dependency syndrome.” By integrating econometric modelling with a rigorous endogeneity-correction framework, this study makes a methodological and empirical contribution to vulnerability research. The findings of the study sought that adaptation and coping mechanisms can lessen the extent of vulnerability of the char dwellers. However, getting government assistance could lessen the char dwellers’ ability to cope, increasing their dependency on it. The study recommends that government should increase the effectiveness of the aids, offer training courses to improve people’s coping and adaptability skills, and set up health facilities to promote people’s well-being.