CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT THROUGH SOCIAL SECURITY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Article deals with climate risk management in agriculture through social protection instruments, focusing on the resilience of rural communities. Agriculture is highly sensitive to climate change, and rural populations are among the most vulnerable to its consequences. Climate risks – including extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and increased environmental instability – undermine food security, rural livelihoods, and sustainable development. Therefore, effective climate adaptation in these regions requires integrated policies that combine environmental planning with social safety nets. The study argues that social protection can function not only as a response mechanism but also as a proactive strategy for strengthening adaptive capacities. The paper examines key tools such as public works programs, climate-indexed insurance, social transfers, and early warning systems. It assesses their ability to reduce the exposure and sensitivity of rural households to climate shocks while enhancing their long-term resilience. The article also considers global frameworks such as the IPCC’s risk management paradigm and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures recommendations. Special attention is given to institutional adaptation, the role of local governance, and the use of digital and climate-smart technologies (e.g., drones, mobile applications, and real-time data platforms) in improving response capacity and monitoring vulnerabilities. It also discusses gender-sensitive approaches and the inclusion of marginalized groups in climate action planning, recognizing that vulnerability is not uniform across communities. Case studies from the EU, Sub-Saharan Africa, and India illustrate how targeted social protection programs, aligned with climate adaptation strategies, can address both poverty and climate vulnerability. The findings support a shift from reactive aid to anticipatory, systems-based approaches that integrate climate resilience into rural development policy. The paper concludes that effective climate risk management in agriculture must be inclusive, data-driven, and embedded in coherent multi-sectoral strategies that bridge environmental and social policy domains.