Climate Change-Induced Agricultural Shocks and Their Impact on Poverty Levels: A Case Study of Polonnaruwa Walikanda, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study explores the complex link in Polonnaruwa Walikanda, Sri Lanka, between increasing poverty rates and agricultural shocks brought on by climate change. Small-scale agricultural communities in this region are confronted with more uncertainty as climate change accelerates, necessitating a thorough analysis of the socioeconomic implications. Extreme heat and erratic rains are two of the frequent and unanticipated agricultural shocks that Polonnaruwa Walikanda must deal with. These upend conventional farming, endangering lives and food security. This research seeks to clarify how these shocks exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities related to poverty.

Using a mixed-methods approach, ten local farmers were surveyed and interviewed to gather primary data, which was then augmented with information from secondary sources. examined coping mechanisms, shocks brought on by the climate, and how these affected household poverty.

The study's conclusions clearly highlight the serious effects that agricultural shocks brought on by the climate have on Polonnaruwa Walikanda's poverty rates. Farmers in the area attribute these climate shocks directly to lower agricultural yields, more volatile revenue, and higher food poverty. Ironically, the coping mechanisms employed by these marginalized communities which frequently include relocation and dependence on unofficial loans unintentionally make their already bad financial circumstances worse. These responsibilities disproportionately impact women and underprivileged groups, aggravating already-existing inequalities in society and between sexes. In summary, our findings clearly demonstrate the close relationship between agricultural shocks brought on by climate change and the rising rates of poverty observed in Polonnaruwa Walikanda. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted by these negative impacts, which exacerbate already-existing disparities. Therefore, it is crucial that policymakers give priority to implementing gender-sensitive policies, strengthening social safety nets, and implementing climate-resilient agricultural methods. Reducing poverty caused by climate change is not only important for the environment, but also for the social and economic well-being of the Polonnaruwa Walikanda community.