• Sanjib Saikia

Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural livelihoods, particularly in climate-sensitive regions like Assam, where agriculture is the main source of income for the rural population. Erratic rainfall, frequent floods, rising temperatures, and shifting crop patterns have disrupted traditional farming systems and undermined food and income security. In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically zero hunger, climate action, and sustainable communities—this paper examines the implications of climate variability on agricultural livelihoods in Assam and explores community-based adaptive strategies. The objectives are to assess the extent of climate change impacts on crop productivity, identify socio-economic vulnerabilities of smallholder farmers, and evaluate local adaptation practices and institutional responses. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining meteorological data analysis with household surveys in five flood-prone districts of Assam. These were supported by focus group discussions and interviews with farmers, agricultural officers, and local NGOs. Findings reveal a clear pattern of declining yields in key crops such as rice and mustard, primarily due to increased flood frequency and shortened growing seasons. Small and marginal farmers, particularly women-headed households, are disproportionately impacted due to limited access to credit, insurance, and agricultural extension services. However, adaptive practices such as cultivating flood-resilient crop varieties, adopting integrated farming systems, and engaging in community-based disaster preparedness present viable pathways for building resilience. This paper underscores the urgency of incorporating climate adaptation into rural development strategies. It calls for enhanced community engagement, targeted policy interventions, and increased investment in climate-smart agriculture. The findings are directly relevant to the conference theme, illustrating how participatory, locally grounded solutions can address regional vulnerabilities while contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Climate change, agricultural livelihoods, Assam, adaptation, community resilience, SDGs.

"Climate Change and Its Implications for Agricultural Livelihoods with Reference to Assam", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.4, Issue 6, page no.856-868, June-2017, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1706149.pdf

"Climate Change and Its Implications for Agricultural Livelihoods with Reference to Assam", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.4, Issue 6, page no. pp856-868, June-2017, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1706149.pdf