An ongoing research project funded by the North Eastern Council is being implemented by the Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, on the theme “Climate Change Perception, Anticipation and Responses among Naga Tribes.” The project aims to document indigenous knowledge systems and examine how tribal communities perceive and respond to emerging climate challenges.
As part of the fieldwork, the research team, led by principal investigator Dr Ashutosh Tripathi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, along with research assistant Sediba K Sangtam, recently visited Wokha and Tseminyu districts during January 18 to 25 and February 8 to 12. During the visits, the team held extensive interactions with village elders, farmers, women’s groups and youth representatives from various tribal communities, including the Lotha, Rengma, Tikhir and Yimkhiung tribes.
Community members shared observations on changing rainfall patterns, delayed monsoons, rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells and increasing pest incidences affecting jhum cultivation and horticultural activities. The project places strong emphasis on integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific analysis to develop locally grounded and culturally appropriate climate adaptation strategies. By systematically documenting community perceptions and anticipatory responses, the study seeks to support evidence-based climate planning and strengthen resilience in Nagaland’s hill ecosystems.
Dr Tripathi said further field visits, stakeholder consultations and knowledge-sharing workshops are scheduled in the coming months. The NEC-supported initiative underscores the growing recognition of indigenous knowledge as a critical component in addressing climate change impacts across the North Eastern region.