Vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate change: a case study from Hakwatuna-Oya irrigation scheme in Sri Lanka

A system is said to be vulnerable when it is unable to cope with the adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability. Vulnerability is widely used in development and adaptation contexts. Policies, institutions and other types of interventions and initiatives from the government have a notable influence on the vulnerability of the population. Hakwatuna-oya major irrigation scheme in Sri Lanka was selected for the study to identify the socio-economic and socio-demographic factors affecting the vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate change or variability. Primary and secondary data were collected in all the 17 GN divisions. A composite index of vulnerability was developed and mapped the vulnerability according to the index. Out of the 17 GN divisions, 6 GN divisions, namelyBogolla, Indigolla, Siyambalawewa, Elagamuwa, Rambe and Thambuwawere moderate to highly venerable. Vulnerable GN divisions account for 38 % of the land area and 41% of the population. Vulnerability is influenced by many socio-economic factors in the area.