Climate change impact assessment on livelihood vulnerability of tribal communities: a systematic review

Abstract

Climate change and variability have significantly affected livelihoods across different geographical areas over various time scales

however, major risks have been faced by tribal communities and marginalised populations. Despite the significant impacts of climate change on tribal communities, there is a notable gap in multidisciplinary analyses that integrate indigenous knowledge with scientific approaches. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the complex relationship between climate change and the vulnerability of tribal communities. The review evaluates the impact of climate change on tribal livelihoods, identifying key vulnerability indicators and proposing effective adaptation and resilience strategies. Tribal communities, constituting 5% of the world’s population, face increased vulnerability due to climate change, influenced by factors such as education, income levels, natural resource dependence, and governance effectiveness. Worldwide case studies illustrated the different impacts of climate change on tribal communities and their adaptive strategies. The literature revealed that Indigenous knowledge and practices, community-based adaptation approaches, and ecosystem-based methods are essential in building resilience. However, data limitations, policy and implementation barriers, and socio-cultural challenges persist, impeding effective adaptation. Integrating Indigenous knowledge with scientific methods, enhancing data collection methodologies, and fostering inclusive policy frameworks are essential for improving tribal resilience. This study recommends policies for Indigenous rights recognition, community-driven projects’ support, and capacity-building programs’ prioritisation. It is also suggested that stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and community members collaborate to address the multifaceted challenges of climate change and ensure sustainable futures for tribal communities. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.