This study presents a micro-level analysis of household livelihood vulnerability in Morigaon, a flood-prone district of Assam, India, using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index based on the LVI–IPCC framework. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) is designed to assess climate-related vulnerability across villages using 31 sub-components under the IPCC 2014 framework, in which vulnerability is a function of sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The vulnerability index is constructed by grouping sub-components into seven main domains that together represent the two key dimensions of vulnerability—sensitivity and adaptive capacity. To identify which factors had the greatest influence within each dimension, the researchers used Principal Component Analysis (PCA), which highlights the most important indicators contributing to overall vulnerability. The assessment categorizes the eight surveyed villages into most vulnerable, moderately vulnerable, and least vulnerable groups. Villages with greater exposure to floods and erosion were found to be more vulnerable, primarily due to low adaptive capacity and high sensitivity. However, several villages demonstrated improved resilience through crop diversification, engagement in non-farm activities, and out-migration, collectively enhancing their adaptive capacity despite high exposure. The study further highlights that the low livelihood vulnerability of certain villages is attributed to their minimal exposure to flooding and erosion. Nonetheless, in the absence of sustained adaptive strategies, future increases in exposure could heighten livelihood risks, even in villages with currently low susceptibility. In a flood-prone state like Assam, therefore, policy interventions promoting adaptive behaviour, livelihood diversification, and infrastructural resilience are essential for reducing vulnerability and ensuring long-term livelihood sustainability.
