Perception and adaptation to climate change among tribal farmers in Odisha, India

Purpose Tribal farmers in India are among the most vulnerable societal groups affected by climate change and variability. This study aims to examine the perceptions and adaptation strategies of tribal farmers in response to climate change in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, India. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on cross-sectional data collected in 2024 from 150 tribal farmers using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. Findings The findings indicate that nearly all tribal farmers identified various signs of climate change: 90.2% acknowledged that the climate has changed, 85% reported irregularities in rainfall patterns, 87.25% observed an increase in temperature and 55.33% noted a rise in winter rainfall. The farmers’ perceptions of climate change are significantly influenced by several factors. Gender, age, education level, agricultural training, climate awareness, farming experience, availability of irrigated land, income level, crop insurance and access to loans are among the factors listed. Research limitations/implications Future research should focus on integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific advancements to develop holistic climate adaptation frameworks with the coverage of more states to give a clear picture about the perception and adaptation of climate change of tribal farmers. Originality/value Most studies in India focus on different states or regions, but to the best of the authors’ knowledge, very few examine tribal farmers’ adaptation and perception of climate change, especially in Odisha, one of the most vulnerable and second-highest tribal-populated states.