UC Santa Barbara

Climate change significantly impacts water resources globally, posing unique challenges in diverse regions such as Ladakh and Jharkhand, India. This thesis examines the effects of climate change on water availability and distribution, focusing on community resilience and gender dynamics in these areas. Through qualitative research methods, including interviews, focus groups, and participatory observations, the study reveals how local communities, especially women, adapt to and manage these changes. Findings indicate that despite differing social structures—matrilineal in Ladakh and patrilineal in Jharkhand—women face similar challenges in water governance. They employ innovative adaptation strategies yet remain underrepresented in decision-making processes. This research underscores the need for inclusive policies that enhance women’s participation in water management to strengthen community resilience against climate change. A key point of exploration is the link between local knowledge and macro policies, highlighting that the local people understand their solutions as deeply as they understand their problems. Women are the key agents of this knowledge, and this thesis explores these nuances through their stories, told by them, lived by them. The study advocates for context-specific policies that incorporate indigenous knowledge, demonstrating that integrating local insights with broader policy frameworks is crucial for effective climate resilience strategies adaptation strategies yet remain underrepresented in decision-making process.