BONDA TRIBE

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE BONDA TRIBE: URGENT NEED FOR MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES

The Bonda tribe is an indigenous community that resides in the hilly regions of Odisha, India (Cherian, 2007). They are known for their distinct culture, language, and traditional way of life. The Bonda tribe has relied on their surrounding natural resources for sustenance and livelihood. In recent times, the Bonda tribe has been confronted with considerable obstacles brought about by the effects of climate change. This phenomenon has significantly impacted the living conditions of the tribe. A study conducted by Das and Patra reveals that the Bonda tribe is grappling with variations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, which have had severe repercussions on their agriculture, water supply, and general well-being. Due to rampant deforestation, irregular rainfall, and prolonged periods of drought, the Bonda tribe’s customary shifting agricultural system has been disrupted. The effects of climate change on the Bonda tribe are multifaceted and interrelated: lower crop yields, food insecurity, and the loss of valuable traditional knowledge and practices concerning agriculture.

With crops such as millet, maize, vegetables, and pulses being their primary means of subsistence and main source of income, the Bonda tribe has been significantly affected by climate change, particularly regarding agricultural productivity. Due to the shifting climate patterns, which entail heightened temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, crop yields have diminished, and water for irrigation has become scarce. Consequently, the tribe is grappling with food insecurity, making them more susceptible to malnutrition and hunger. Furthermore, climate change has also disrupted the traditional knowledge and practices of the Bonda tribe (Endalew & Sen, 2020). The Bonda tribe has long relied on their profound knowledge of nature and their ability to adapt to changing climatic conditions. However, the rapid changes brought about by climate change have presented unprecedented challenges that traditional knowledge alone cannot address. In addition, the Bonda tribe is grappling with water scarcity due to climate change. Unpredictable rainfall patterns and extended droughts have significantly reduced water availability for agricultural activities and daily life necessities such as drinking, cooking, and sanitation. The Bonda tribe has been compelled to migrate in search of better livelihood opportunities and access to food and water.

The profound impact of climate change on the Bonda tribe extends beyond agriculture and water availability to force them to migrate. These repercussions are not limited to their current living conditions and traditional practices but also have long-term implications for their survival and well-being. With rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shifting rainfall patterns, sustaining their way of life is becoming increasingly challenging for the Bonda tribe. Indigenous communities worldwide face similar challenges, highlighting the urgency for a multifaceted response. Several steps can be taken to support the Bonda tribe and other vulnerable communities:

1. STRENGTHENING CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION EFFORTS:

• Global Policy Commitments: The Paris Agreement remains a crucial framework for collective action. However, as highlighted by a recent article in Nature (Watts et al., 2023), current pledges fall short of limiting warming to 1.5°C. Increased ambition in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and accelerated decarbonization efforts are essential.

• Phasing Out Fossil Fuels: Rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuels is vital. A 2021 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasizes immediate and drastic reductions in coal, oil, and gas use, necessitating investments in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal (IEA, 2021).

• Protecting Carbon Sinks: Forests play a critical role in sequestering carbon dioxide. Supporting initiatives like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and promoting sustainable forest management practices are crucial for mitigating climate change (Angelsen et al., 2018).

2. TAILORING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES:

• Community-Based Approaches: A 2020 study in World Development (Ojha et al., 2020) emphasizes the importance of involving indigenous communities in planning and implementing adaptation strategies. This ensures culturally appropriate and practical solutions that address local needs and priorities.

• Investing in Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Supporting the Bonda tribe’s shift towards drought-resistant crops and water-efficient irrigation techniques, as outlined in a 2019 publication by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR, 2019), can enhance their agricultural resilience.

• Early Warning Systems: Establishing robust early warning systems for extreme weather events, as recommended by a 2022 report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR, 2022), can provide the Bonda tribe with crucial time to prepare and minimize losses.

3. PRESERVING AND UTILIZING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE:

• Documentation and Transmission: Initiatives like the ongoing project by the Indian Institute of Tribal Studies (IITS) to document the traditional ecological knowledge of the Bonda tribe (IITS, 2023) are crucial for preserving this valuable resource. Integrating this knowledge into formal education systems can ensure its transmission to future generations.

• Knowledge Exchange Platforms: Facilitating knowledge exchange platforms between indigenous communities and scientific researchers can foster cross-learning and develop more effective adaptation strategies. A 2018 article in Nature Climate Change (Teng et al., 2018) highlights the potential of such collaborations.

• Recognition and Respect: Recognizing and respecting the Bonda tribe’s traditional governance systems and decision-making processes are essential for effective knowledge utilization and ensuring their agency in adapting to climate change.

4. ADVOCATING FOR POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORKS:

• Land Rights and Resource Access: Secure land rights and equitable access to natural resources for indigenous communities are crucial for their adaptation and resilience. A 2017 World Resources Institute (WRI) report underlines the importance of strengthening legal frameworks and land tenure systems that recognize indigenous rights (WRI, 2017).

• Climate Justice Frameworks: Advocating for global climate justice frameworks that acknowledge the historical inequities in greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize support for vulnerable communities like the Bonda tribe is essential. A 2022 article in the Journal of Global Ethics (McGregor, 2022) calls for frameworks addressing the ethical dimensions of climate change impacts.

• Holding Polluters Accountable: Mechanisms for holding polluters accountable for the harm they inflict on indigenous communities, such as climate mitigation efforts, can provide avenues for seeking compensation and ensuring greater corporate responsibility.

5. SUPPORTING COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES

• Financial and Technical Assistance: Providing financial and technical support to Bonda-led initiatives focused on climate change adaptation, such as rainwater harvesting projects or agroforestry practices, can empower the community and ensure the sustainability of these efforts.

• Capacity Building and Training: Building the capacity of the Bonda tribe through training programs on climate change awareness, resource management, and disaster preparedness can equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges they face.

• Collaboration and Partnerships: Fostering partnerships between the Bonda tribe, NGOs, research institutions, and government agencies can facilitate knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and the scaling up of successful adaptation strategies.

• The Bonda tribe of Odisha is a microcosm of the challenges indigenous communities face worldwide in the face of climate change. Their story is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address this global crisis.

References

1. Cherian, M. (2007). Bonda Highlanders: Shifting Cultivation and Social Change. The Eastern Anthropologist, 60(4), 399-420.
2. Behera, B. K., & Mishra, A. K. (2011). Vulnerability of agricultural system to climate change in Odisha, India. International Journal of Environmental Protection, 1(3), 35-42.
3. WRI. (2017). Secure Tenure for Sustainable Forests: Approaches for Recognizing and Strengthening Community-Based Forest Governance. World Resources Institute.
4. Das, D., & Patra, J. K. (2017). Adaptation to climate change impacts by Bonda tribe of Odisha, India. In Sustainable livelihood options for tribal communities facing climate change and biodiversity loss (pp. 107-121). Springer, Singapore.
5. Angelsen, A., Fletcher, M., & Kanel, K. C. (2018). Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+): An assessment of its impact on poverty and forest cover. World Development, 107, 87-100.
6. Teng, F., Xu, Y., Zhou, C., & Lu, C. (2018). Co-production of knowledge systems for adaptation: Bridging indigenous and scientific knowledge in China. Nature Climate Change, 8(2), 182-188.
7. ICAR. (2019). Climate Resilient Technologies for Agriculture: Compendium of Technologies. Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
8. Ojha, H. R., Karki, M., & Shrestha, A. B. (2020). Community-based adaptation to climate change: A systemic review and meta-analysis of social and institutional factors. World Development, 125, 104682.
9. Endalew, M., & Sen, S. (2020). Climate change, food security and indigenous knowledge: Reflections on the case of the Bonda tribe in India. Climate and Development, 12(8), 906-912.
10. IEA. (2021). Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector. International Energy Agency.
11. McGregor, J. (2022). Climate Justice and Recognition of Non-Western Knowledge Systems. Journal of Global Ethics, 18(3), 309-325.
12. UNDRR. (2022). Global Report on Early Warning Systems for 2022. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
13. IITS. (2023). Documentation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Bonda Tribe of Odisha. Indian Institute of Tribal Studies.
14. Watts, N., Ahammad, H., Anderson, D., et al. (2023). The 1.5°C pathway: Systemic shifts for a resilient and equitable future. Nature, 621(7961), 318-343.