Exploring determinants of climate change adaptation by smallholder livestock farmers in coastal West Bengal, India using a double hurdle econometric approach

Coastal West Bengal, also known as 'Cyclone capital of India', is one of the most vulnerable regions due to the impact of cyclone-led climate disasters, disproportionately affecting the smallholder livestock rearers. Therefore, understanding the adaptation strategies available to smallholder livestock rearers and the factors influencing their adoption behaviour would facilitate an understanding of how they cope with the negative impacts of climate change. This study aimed to identify and explore climate adaptation strategies in the livestock sector as adopted by smallholder livestock rearers in coastal West Bengal. It also attempted to analyse the determinants influencing the adoption behaviour of the rearers at both levels of the adoption decision and intensity of adoption. Primary cross-sectional data were collected from 360 smallholder livestock rearers across all districts of coastal West Bengal using a multistage sampling approach. The double hurdle model was employed to assess adoption behaviour. Seven key adaptation strategies were identified, including improved feeding practices, shifting from large ruminants to small ruminants, availing of livestock insurance, well-ventilated housing, relocating animals to a safe place during disasters, preserving fodder, and providing more healthcare practices for livestock. While herd size, availability of climatic information, and community participation had a positive influence on the farmers' adoption decisions, the availability of non-institutional credit and infrastructure had a negative influence. The intensity of adoption was positively influenced by herd size, access to institutional credit, training received, community participation, and access to livestock extension services. The findings support the need for policy advocacy to provide institutional credit, strengthen institutions to facilitate better extension services, and establish safe places for animals, such as cyclone shelters. Climate policy should consider addressing the heterogeneity responsible for non-adoption among farmers through awareness-building and the provision of incentives. Policy should also be geared towards easy accessibility to better healthcare services for livestock, availability of improved feeds and fodder, a community fodder bank and an organised market for livestock produce.