Factors influencing drought distress: a study on vulnerable communities in rural Karnataka, India

The present study examined the factors influencing drought distress among vulnerable communities in rural Karnataka, India. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. 264 sample households among the vulnerable communities were interviewed, 13 measured variables were identified, and a 5-point Likert scale was used to validate the study. The results of the study indicate that three factors contribute to drought: Drought Distress Factors (DDF), Economic Factors (EF), and Social Factors (SF). This study further revealed that vulnerable communities are most distressed by deficits because of frequent incidents of drought, high levels of temperatures due to climate change, and agricultural losses and income generation livelihood activities, which are leading challenges in sustaining livelihoods among vulnerable communities. The government should provide compensation for losses like such as crop damage and livestock while also introducing crop insurance. Additionally, skill-based training should be offered to help vulnerable communities develop sustainable livelihoods.