This chapter examines the causes of climate-induced displacement, commonly referred to as “climate refugees,” and the significant challenges to livelihoods in the Bundelkhand region. In today’s global discourse, climate change has become a pressing issue at national and international levels, profoundly impacting governance worldwide and exacerbating unsustainable livelihood practices. The geophysical and hydrological conditions in Bundelkhand play a crucial role in climate change, necessitating urgent interdisciplinary attention to find sustainable solutions. The region is burdened with labels such as “water poverty region,” “backward region,” “livelihood crisis region,” “farmer’s suicide region,” and “ecologically fragile region” due to the adverse effects of climate change, resulting in a triad of challenges: drought, deprivation, and depopulation.
To gain empirical insights into the region’s livelihoods, primary surveys were conducted, informing the content of this paper. Various factors have been identified as the root causes of livelihood challenges, prompting individuals to become climate refugees and seek refuge in urban metropolitan cities. This study presents innovative strategies that prioritize human well-being and address livelihood challenges by emphasising the roles of government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and self-help groups (SHGs). These strategies aim to ensure equitable access to affordable, accessible, and high-quality food grains, education, healthcare, employment opportunities, constitutional rights, crop diversification, and the utilisation of traditional knowledge systems (TKS) in agroforestry business and water resource management.
Furthermore, this study explores the potential of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data banking, the fourth industrial revolution, and 5G technology in mitigating unsustainable livelihood challenges. These advancements offer promising avenues for sustainable development, fostering resilience in the face of climate change impacts. By addressing the complex web of challenges faced by the Bundelkhand region, this research endeavours to provide a comprehensive understanding of climate change-induced livelihood crises and offers practical solutions to promote sustainable development. The proposed strategies underscore the importance of collaborative efforts between stakeholders and the integration of innovative technologies to achieve a resilient and prosperous future for the region.
