Comparative livelihood vulnerability to climate change: Tribal and non-tribal farmers in Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh

The study was carried out in Surajpur district under agro climatic zone of northern hills Chhattisgarh state in the year 2024-25. Under examine the comparative analysis of climate change-induced livelihood vulnerability among tribal and non-tribal farming communities in the Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh. The results were reported by applying the multi linear regression. A total of 148 respondents were selected using percentage-based random sampling, and the data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. The findings reveal that, on average, tribal households had 2.95 working members, whereas non-tribal households had 3.07. Non-tribal farmers demonstrated greater engagement in crop production, livestock rearing, and participation in MGNREGA activities compared to their tribal counterparts. Conversely, forest produce collection was more prevalent among tribal households. Significant disparities were observed in annual income levels, with non-tribal farmers earning an average of Rs. 301,274.37, compared to Rs. 221,815.37 among tribal farmers. Farm income was notably higher for non-tribal farmers Rs. 209,104.65 than tribal farmers Rs. 153,199.03. Livestock contributed Rs. 21,549.55 to non-tribal income and Rs. 15,393.87 to tribal income, while business activities generated Rs. 28,501.48 and Rs. 12,752.50 respectively. Expenditure patterns also varied, with tribal households spending an average of Rs. 188,556.33 annually, primarily on food, alcohol, and tobacco while non-tribal households spent Rs. 234,782.85, with a greater share allocated to agricultural inputs and essential services.