Perception-Based Analysis of Climate Change Impacts on the Forest-Dependent A'chik Community around Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, North-Eastern Himalayan region of India

Abstract

Public perception plays a key role in shaping climate-resilient policies, especially among forest-dependent communities. This study analyses climate change awareness and perceptions among the A’chik (Garo) community in the transitional zone of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, North-east India. A total of 100 respondents, predominantly female (77%) with a mean age of 53.94 years, were selected through multi-stage random sampling and interviewed with a semi-structured schedule. Significant associations were found between climate change awareness and age, education and occupation, while gender showed non-significant association. Less than half of respondents were aware of climate change but even lesser respondents than this were aware on global warming and greenhouse gases. The indicators through which the community perceived climate change were rising temperatures, shortened winters, unpredictable and reduced rainfall, which matched the trends of climatic from climate data (1981–2022). Temperature increases were significant, while precipitation trends were non-significant. Respondents reported environmental degradation including forest cover loss, decline in biodiversity, reduced availability of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), drying water bodies, and increased droughts and landslides. Farming impacts were evident with reduced crop yields, pest outbreaks, soil degradation, and water scarcity, threatening livelihoods and increasing health vulnerabilities. Unsustainable land-use practices such as shifting cultivation (jhum) and deforestation intensified these impacts. This study highlights the need to integrate indigenous perceptions with scientific data to develop adaptive, culturally appropriate policies. Community-based conservation and alternative livelihood promotion are essential for sustaining the livelihoods of the Garo people and protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem amid ongoing climate change.