Volume V Special Issue VI December 2025

Name of Author : Junella Sequiera

Title of the paper : CLIMATE VULNERABILITY AND LIVELIHOOD DISPLACEMENT AMONG KERALA FISHERMEN: AN EVALUATION OF WELFARE SCHEME OUTCOMES

Abstract: This study analyzes the interplay between climate vulnerability and livelihood displacement among fishermen in Kerala, a state highly exposed to climate induced hazards such as rising sea levels, erratic monsoons, and extreme weather events. These factors disrupt marine ecosystems, reduce fish availability, and decrease fishing days, threatening the socio economic stability of fishing communities. Frequent cyclones, flooding, and chronic coastal erosion have displaced over 12,000 fisher households, heightening livelihood insecurity particularly in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam. Welfare schemes under the Kerala Fishermens Welfare Fund Act and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana aim to support livelihoods through insurance, lean season relief, pensions, and infrastructure development. However, challenges persist in scheme accessibility, adequacy, and responsiveness to escalating climate risks.Migrant fishermen, comprising about 58% of the workforce, face heightened vulnerability from social exclusion. Findings highlight the need to better integrate climate adaptation strategies into welfare programs, strengthen institutional coordination, and promote community participation. Mainstreaming climate resilience into fisheries governance is essential for sustaining Keralas vulnerable fisher population.

Keywords : Climate vulnerability, livelihood displacement, welfare schemes, Kerala fishermen, fisheries policy.

DOI :

Page Number : 188-200