Assessing the Vulnerability of Nomadic Pastoralists’ Livelihoods to Climate Change in the Zhetysu Region of Kazakhstan

Response to Reviewer 1 Comments

1. Summary

Thank you for taking the time to review our manuscript. Detailed answers are given below, and appropriate adjustments based on your comments have been made and are highlighted in blue

2. Questions for General Evaluation

Reviewer’s Evaluation

Response and Revisions

Does the introduction provide sufficient background and include all relevant references?

Yes

+

Are all the cited references relevant to the research?

Yes

+

Is the research design appropriate?

Can be improved

According to your recommendation, the research design is improved (Figure 2, Figure 3, Response 6).

Are the methods adequately described?

Yes

+

Are the results clearly presented?

Yes

+

Are the conclusions supported by the results?

Can be improved

According to your comments, the text of the conclusions has been completely changed being confirmed by the research results, as well as recommendations on the adaptive strategy for reducing the vulnerability of nomads ( Response 7).

3. Point-by-point response to Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Comments 1: Title.

This manuscript is an interesting topic and has the potential to be printed in a valuable international journal like Journal of Land. There are some points if applying them, the manuscript has a good potential to accept and publish.

- The title is good. But it is a bit long and it is better to be more concise.

Response 1: We agree with your comment: lines 2 - 4. The title of the paper was shortened: lines 2 - 3. Assessing the vulnerability of the nomadic pastoralists' livelihoods to climate change in the Zhetysu region of Kazakhstan

Comments 2: Abstract.

- The abstract is very short. State the problem in one sentence at the beginning. It is advisable to mention "research method (methodology)" in the abstract (What was the “research method”?). Also, please provide more results.

Response 2: We agree and thank you for this comment: lines 17 - 29. We have reworked and modified the text of the annotation according to your comments. Additions to your comments are highlighted in blue.

2.1 We formulated the research problem in one sentence and put it in the beginning:

Kazakhstan is historically a livestock-producing country. For the first time in this study, we attempted to assess the vulnerability of nomadic pastoralists in Kazakhstan to climate change using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI). To collect local data, we conducted a survey of 100 heads of households in fourteen main components of and fifty-six sub -components.  The study was conducted in the period from May to July 2022 in the Panfilov (PD) and Kerbulak (KD) districts of Zhetysu region, where the Altyn-Emel State National Nature Park is located. 

2.2 The research method is supplemented by a list of authors of the methodology.

The results of the study are combined by the composite index method and a comparison of various vulnerability indicators based on the works of Suillivan et al., Hahn et al., Abd Majid et al., Rai et al., with some additions by Sonam Wangyel Wang.

2.3 The results of the study are presented:

Natural disasters, which manifest as the effects of drought, temperature fluctuations, and precipitation, contribute most to the vulnerability of nomads living in remote mountain areas with complex infrastructure. According to the results of the study, nomads of both regions have high vulnerability in such components as natural resources, human-wildlife conflict, housing type, agriculture and food security, and social networks. High vulnerability in the "Finances and incomes" component was found only in the pastoralists of the PD.

 Identifying the levels of vulnerability of nomadic households to climate change, as well as understanding their adaptation strategies, will enable pastoralists to gain access to new sources of reducing the vulnerability of their livelihoods. Currently, the country practices a strategy to reduce the vulnerability of pastoral nomads ' livelihoods by insuring livestock against natural or natural hazards and other risks; involving the population in environmental protection activities and helping them to obtain sustainable financial resources when they refuse to hunt endangered animals; and non-agricultural diversification of high-altitude ecotourism in rural areas. in their area of residence, improving financial literacy by providing training and information on low-interest loans under state projects and livestock subsidy mechanisms, as well as training on organizing cooperatives within the framework of legal status, which will ensure them stable sales of products and income growth.

The results of software research serve as a basis for taking measures in the framework of the development and implementation of state programs for climate change adaptation of the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where agriculture is one of the priority areas of management.

Comments 3: Keywords.

Good.

Response 3: We are grateful for your positive comment.

Comments 4: Introduction.

- What is the novelty of this research? It should be emphasized from different angles.

Response 4: We agree and thank you for this comment: lines 90 - 97.

 One way to better understand these complex relationships is by assessing the vulnerability of livelihoods. LVI research can provide policymakers and managers with empirical guidance for developing programs and actions to reduce vulnerability and formulate climate change adaptation plans.

In this study, the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) was used for the first time to identify indicators of the adaptive capacity of nomadic households in the Zhetysu region living in high-altitude areas bordering Altyn-Emel State National Park. The research findings will serve as a basis for taking measures within the framework of developing and implementing state programs for climate change adaptation in accordance with the Environmental Code of Kazakhstan. These measures include livestock insurance against natural or environmental hazards and other risks, involving indigenous populations in conservation activities, enhancing the financial literacy of livestock breeders through livestock farming subsidies, and diversifying beyond agriculture.

Comments 5: Materials and Methods.

- This section is good. But, in general, what was the kind of research method in this study (Paradigm, type, data, time, gathering data, …)

- The guide in Figure 1 does not have the necessary clarity.

Response 5: We agree and thank you for this comment on the section materials and methods: lines 106 -107 (5.2), line 117 (5.1).

 5.1 When selecting households in both districts, we used the sampling procedure from the "random walk" methodology of the expanded immunization program of the World Health Organization (WHO) [19] with additions by M.Khan et al. ( 2009) [ 20].

 References:

20. Hahn, M.B.; Riederer, A.M.; Foster, S.O. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index: A pragmatic approach to assessing risks from climate variability and change—A case study in Mozambique. Glob. Environ. Chang. 2009, 19(1), 80 pp. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2008.11.002

19. Immunization Coverage Cluster Survey—Reference Manual. World Health Organization Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland, WHO Document Production Services, Geneva, Switzerland. 2005. Available online https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/69087/WHO_IVB_04.23.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y (accessed on 30 September 2023).

5.2. The guide to Figure 1 is changed in order to make it clear.

Figure 1. The location of the State National Park "Altyn-Emel" on the territory of the Panfilov and Kerbulak districts of the Zhetysu region.

Comments 6: Results and discussion.

- This section is very useful and clear provided.

Response 6: We are grateful to you for a positive comment.

 We improved the designs of figures 2-3 based on your recommendation.

Figure 2. Line chart of the principal components of the LVI for Kerbulak and Panfilov districts of the Zhetysu region.

Figure 3. LVI - IPCC Vulnerability Index of nomads in the Kerbulak and Panfilov districts of the Zhetysu region.

Comments 7: Conclusions.

- Please mention the limitations of the research in this section. What are the recommendations for further research?

Response 7: We agree with this comment: lines 479 - 495. The conclusions are changed and supplemented by recommendations for further research based on your comments. The text of the "Conclusions" section has been completely changed in accordance with the results of the study. Also, based on your comments, the section has been completely changed and supplemented with data on the strategies of adaptation of nomads to climate change.

Within the scope of this assessment, we have analyzed the vulnerability of habitats among nomadic communities in the mountainous regions of the Zhetysu region in Kazakhstan. The key aspect of this study is the identification of the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) through the application of fourteen primary components and fifty-six sub-components, as well as vulnerability indices (LVI-IPCC) using three elements: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Natural disasters driven by drought, temperature fluctuations, and precipitation variations significantly increase the vulnerability of nomadic households living in isolated highland areas with complex infrastructure.

In both regions, nomadic vulnerability is high in components such as natural resources, human-wildlife conflict, housing type, agriculture, food security, and social networks. According to the "Finance and income" indicator, only pastoralists in Panfilov district exhibit high vulnerability.

Identifying the levels of vulnerability of nomadic households to climate change and understanding their adaptation strategies will enable livestock herders to access new means of reducing livelihood vulnerability.

Strategies to mitigate vulnerability related to natural resources involve insuring livestock against natural disasters or environmental risks, such as fires, wildlife attacks, and others. Until now, livestock insurance has been virtually absent in the country.

In the territories of Panfilov and Kerbulak districts of the Zhetysu region, there is the state national natural park "Altyn-Emel," which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The strategy to reduce the conflict between humans and wildlife involves engaging indigenous populations in nature conservation activities, educating nomads on the importance and prospects of protecting Red Book species such as snow leopards, and providing them with sustainable financial resources when they refrain from hunting rare animals.

One way to reduce the financial vulnerability of nomads is to implement adaptive strategies by diversifying livelihoods, such as highland ecotourism in their residential areas.

The strategy for reducing financial vulnerability through improved financial literacy includes organizing targeted seminars and training sessions to provide information about low-interest rate loans (2.5%) under the "Auyl Amanat" project, financial planning, equipping individuals with knowledge, risk identification skills, and risk mitigation measures. Scaling up the pilot Project to increase rural income and agricultural production for rural business financing at 2.5% for various areas, such as effective use of household plots for livestock and crop production, efficient use of land resources outside of settlements legally owned by rural residents, explaining the mechanism of livestock subsidies, and preparing documents for subsidy applications. This will allow livestock herders to understand the functions of subsidies, the possibility of obtaining them under certain conditions, create these conditions themselves, cover part of production costs, and increase business profitability. Training in a cooperative organization with legal status will ensure stable product sales and income growth.

The research results will serve as a basis for taking measures within the framework of the development and implementation of state programs for climate adaptation in accordance with the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where agriculture is one of the priority management directions.

Comments 8: References.

- Good and many sources have been used.

- With regard to what was said, my suggestion is to accept the manuscript after “minor revisions”.

Response 8: We are grateful to you for the positive comment: lines 532 - 695.

4. Response to Comments on the Quality of English Language

Point 1: Quality of English Language is ok.

5. Additional clarifications

Response to Reviewer 2 Comments

1. Summary

Thank you so much for taking the time to review the manuscript. Detailed answers to all your objective comments and suggestions are provided below. Corrected data is highlighted in blue.

2. Questions for General Evaluation

Reviewer’s Evaluation

Response and Revisions

Does the introduction provide sufficient background and include all relevant references?

Can be improved

Based on your recommendations, the data for the "Introduction" section is supplemented: lines 33 -97

Are all the cited references relevant to the research?

Yes

+

Is the research design appropriate?

Can be improved

Based on your recommendations the design of figures 2-3 has been improved: lines 255 -256, lines 344-345

Are the methods adequately described?

Must be improved

LVI method has already been published for similar studies. We have provided detailed explanations on research design, data collection, and analysis.

Are the results clearly presented?

Must be improved

The data of the "Results" section based on your comments are supplemented: lines 479-495

Are the conclusions supported by the results?

Must be improved

The data of the "Conclusions" section on confirming the conclusions are supplemented with: lines 479-495

3. Point-by-point response to Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Comments 1: Thank you for the interesting article. The article needs to be cleaned up, not sure if the selection of two regions (and their comparison in tables and description) is the purpose of the article? The results for them are similar, so it can be said that both regions face similar problems, so those problems should be CLEARLY stated as a result of the study. The study is unique so cannot be referred to similar studies, so authors have a special task to draw analysis. But here the conclusions are unclear. This can be clearly seen in the Conclusions section, which should be rewritten according to the scheme: what we wanted to study and what we came up with, and what results from this article. What is the vulnerability of the nomadic pastoralists’ livelihoods to climate change? Please answer this question in the study and conclusions. The article needs to be read and corrected for such logic.

Response 1: We agree and thank you for your comments: lines 17-19, Abstract (1.1), lines 213-216, Results (1.2), lines 478-495, Conclusions (1.3).

1.1 Based on your comments, we formulated the problem in one sentence and moved it to the beginning of the "Abstract" section. Kazakhstan is historically a livestock-producing country. For the first time in this study, we attempted to assess the vulnerability of nomadic pastoralists in Kazakhstan to climate change using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI). To collect local data, we conducted a survey of 100 heads of households in fourteen main components and fifty-six sub-components. 

1.2 Based on your comments, the full data in the "Results" section has been updated. The detailed answer is given below in the "Results" section.

1.3 Based on your comments, we have completely changed the data in the "Conclusions" section of the scheme: what you wanted to study, what you got... The detailed answer is given below in the "Conclusions" section.

Comments 2: In the abstract please add information about the results of the study (a sentence about the conclusions), now it is about the sample and the possibilities of using the results, but not about the results themselves.

Response 2: We agree and thank you for your comments: lines 17-29. Respectively, the data of the “Abstract” section has been revised and recommendations for using the research results have been added.

Kazakhstan is historically a livestock-producing country. For the first time in this study, we attempted to assess the vulnerability of nomadic pastoralists in Kazakhstan to climate change using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI). To collect local data, we conducted a survey of 100 heads of households in fourteen main components of and fifty-six sub -components.  The study was conducted in the period from May to July 2022 in Panfilov (PD) and Kerbulak (KD) districts of Zhetysu region, where the Altyn-Emel State National Nature Park is located. The results of the study are combined by the composite index method and a comparison of various vulnerability indicators based on the works of Suillivan et al., Hahn et al., Abd Majid et al., Rai et al., with some additions by Sonam Wangyel Wang.

Natural disasters, which manifest as the effects of drought, temperature fluctuations, and precipitation, contribute most to the vulnerability of nomads living in remote mountain areas with complex infrastructure. According to the results of the study, nomads of both regions have high vulnerability in such components as natural resources, human-wildlife conflict, housing type, agriculture and food security, and social networks. High vulnerability in the "Finances and incomes" component was found only in the pastoralists of the PD.

 Identifying the levels of vulnerability of nomadic households to climate change, as well as understanding their adaptation strategies, will enable pastoralists to gain access to new sources of reducing the vulnerability of their livelihoods. Currently, the country practices a strategy to reduce the vulnerability of pastoral nomads ' livelihoods by insuring livestock against natural or natural hazards and other risks; involving the population in environmental protection activities and helping them to obtain sustainable financial resources when they refuse to hunt endangered animals; and non-agricultural diversification of high-altitude ecotourism in rural areas. in their area of residence, improving financial literacy by providing training and providing information on low-interest loans under state projects and livestock subsidy mechanism a, as well as training on organizing cooperatives within the framework of legal status, which will ensure them stable sales of products and income growth.

The results of software research serve as a basis for taking measures in the framework of the development and implementation of state programs for climate change adaptation of the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where agriculture is one of the priority areas of management.

Comments 3: line 10 - Diversification allows for mitigating the impact of climate change on livelihoods, but does it allow for mitigating household impacts on climate change? You might want to add such considerations and some sources in the literature.

Response 3: We agree and thank you for commenting on the data in the "Introduction" section: The vulnerability of climate change to food insecurity and poverty can be reduced through non-agricultural diversification [10].

3.1 For your comments on the impact of households on climate change in the "Results” section, the answer is given in lines 280-283: Energy is the tenth main component with an average of 0.571 for KD and an average of 0.545 for PD. 100% of respondents use solar panels to generate electricity in their homes. As part of state support for entrepreneurs, the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan subsidizes up to 50% of the cost of purchased solar panels.

3.2 For the sake of clarity of the research results on this issue, please allow us to present photos of using solar panels by nomads:

Figure 1. Solar panels of the nomads’ households.

3.3 On your recommendation, literary data of the authors have been added [8-10]:

The southern part of Kazakhstan, due to its geographical location, receives direct solar radiation during most of the daylight hours, which is 83-96% of the maximum possible value [8]. Kazakhstan is developing solar energy technologies, namely the production of photovoltaic modules using local silicon. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), within 40 years, solar energy can meet about 20-25% of the state’s energy needs. Moreover, the share of the required electricity can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 6 billion tons annually [9]. With the support of the Government and other international agencies, Kazakhstan is taking steps to develop the renewable energy sector. It can be noted that programs and policies in the field of renewable energy sources support the short and long-term potential of renewable energy sources in Kazakhstan. In accordance with the Concept of transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a "green economy", the government of the country has set an ambitious goal – to reach 3% of the share of renewable energy sources in the total energy balance of the country by 2020, 10% by 2030, and 50% by 2050 [10].

8. Tsyba, Yu.; Kuzmin, Yu. Current state of the electric power industry: Kazakhstan's electric power industry and prospects for using renewable energy sources. Almaty University of Energy and Communications, 2017.  Available online: https://eigroup://eigroup.kz/energetika/sovremennoe-sostoyanie-elektroenergetiki.html (accessed on 28 September 2023). (In Russian).

9. Antonov, O. Green energy of Kazakhstan in the 21st century: myths, reality and prospects. 2014, 1-46 pp. Available online: https://readli.net/download.php?id=378668://readli.net/download.php?id=378668 (accessed on 28 September 2023). (In Russian).

10. Bytyrbekov, I. Legislation in the field of renewable energy sources in Kazakhstan. Available online: https://online.zakon.kz/Document/?doc_id=31647811&pos=88; -57#pos=88; -57 (accessed on 28 September 2023). (In Russian).

Comments 4: line 117+ : no data how was the sample selected - random, purposive, snowball method (due to the specific group of respondents)? The authors need to discuss this.

Response 4: We agree and thank you for commenting: line 117. The text has been supplemented by the method’s name.

While selecting the livelihoods of nomads in booth regions, the sampling procedure from the “random walk” methodology of the expanded immunization program of the World Health Organization (WHO) [19] with additions by M.Hahn et al. ( 2009) was used [20].

20. Hahn, M.B.; Riederer, A.M.; Foster, S.O. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index: A pragmatic approach to assessing risks from climate variability and change—A case study in Mozambique. Glob. Environ. Chang. 2009, 19(1), 80 pp. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2008.11.002

19. Immunization Coverage Cluster Survey—Reference Manual. World Health Organization Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland, WHO Document Production Services, Geneva, Switzerland. 2005. Available online https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/69087/WHO_IVB_04.23.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y (accessed on 30 September 2023).

Comments 5: The clear communication of the article should be worked on - too many simplifications, e.g. lines 303-305 "According to the "Blue Peace" index, Kazakhstan ranks 18 th (41.7 points) in the "Tools for managing water resources" component [38]." 18th country? of how many? what does "Tools" mean (government programs? infrastructure?) This needs to be written clearly. This is only an example. From such an angle, the whole text should be corrected.

Response 5: We agree and thank you for your comment: lines 303-305.

Based on your comments, the entire text has been revised and expanded to include other components.

The "Blue Peace Central Asia" initiative (BPCA) aims to "support effective management of water resources considering the interplay of water, food, and energy from the local to regional levels, including managing climate change-related risks." The Blue Peace Index assesses the management of shared water resources along five main dimensions: policy and legal framework, institutional mechanisms and participation, tools for managing water resources, infrastructure and financing, and cooperation. According to the "Blue Peace" index, Kazakhstan ranks 18th among 32 countries: 8th place (57.5 points) in the "Policy and Regulatory Framework" dimension, 12th place (61.0 points) in "Cooperation Context," 15th place (45.9 points) in "Infrastructure and Financing," 17th place (59.7 points) in "Institutions and Participation," and 18th place (41.7 points) in the "Tools for managing water resources" dimension [38].

Comments 6: Line 374 and onwards - data on internet accessibility for the country should be juxtaposed with clear information on internet usage by nomads. Do they have internet or only from mobile phones? Do you have statistics on this available in any source (national or your study).

Response 6: We agree and thank you for commenting: Line 374.

6.1 Based on your comments, the research data in the "Results for the 'Social Networks' Component" have been supplemented with information on internet usage among nomadic populations based on the survey results: Line 374-384.

According to the survey results, 100% of nomads have mobile phones. Households on social networks receive 100% of their information about climate change and natural disasters (Table 2, Figure 2).

6.2 Based on your comments, the research data on sources have been supplemented with statistical information: Line 374-384.

According to the results of the sixth edition of the Sustainable Development Report 2021 under the auspices of the "Decade of Action for Sustainable Development Goals," a positive trend with internet access in Kazakhstan is noted by members of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Network [31]. However, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry states that in rural areas, due to the lack of additional connections, internet speed remains low. In rural areas, internet speed is low due to the absence of additional connections. According to the Digital Technology Department of Zhetysu Region, as of today, only 99.86% of residents in the region have access to the network. At the moment, 287 rural settlements out of 352 have access to mobile internet. 65 do not have access. 135 rural settlements (38.4%) have access to 4G, and 287 rural settlements (81.5%) have access to 3G [45].

About 60% of internet coverage in Kazakhstan is provided by land channels, optical fiber (approximately 26%), and copper (34%). The rest are radio channels: radio relay communication and satellite [46].

6.3 References:

45. Only 39% of residents of Zhetysu region have access to 4G. Available online: https://www.zakon.kz/obshestvo/6398852-vsego-39-zhiteley-zhetysuskoy-oblasti-imeyut-dostup-k-4G.html (accessed on 28 September 2023).

46. By 2027, all villages in Kazakhstan will be connected to the Internet. Available online: https://el.kz/ru/k-2027-godu-vse-sela-kazahstana-budut-podklyucheny-k-internetu_65624/ (accessed on 28 September 2023) (In Russian).

Comments 7: Line 385-388: "The higher percentage of livestock raised for food reflects greater sensitivity to environmental and climate change" this also needs to be commented on, do the respondents have another alternative? how does the livestock population owned by nomads change compared to the country? How important is it to their livelihoods?

Response 7: We agree and thank you for commenting: lines 385-388. Based on your comments, the research data has been supplemented with information and a diagram.

The vulnerability assessment of livestock herders in both districts regarding the "Agriculture and Food Security" component is high. A higher percentage of livestock raised for food production reflects greater sensitivity to changes in the environment and climate [48]. The proportion of household dependent on livestock for food production is high in both districts (table 2). An analysis of the dynamics of cattle, horses, sheep, and goats in the Kerbulak district from 1992 to 2022 shows that the cattle population increased from 46,600 to 59,500; the horse population increased from 11,600 to 22,400, while the sheep and goat population decreased from 384,100 to 258,200. In the Panfilov district, the cattle population increased from 62,700 to 89,300; the horse population increased from 11,100 to 22,500, while the sheep and goat population decreased from 510,800 to 284,200 (figure 4) [49-50].

 Figure 4. Dynamics of the number of cattle in the Kerbulak and Panfilov districts of the Zhetysu region over 1992-2022 years.

Agriculture has been and continues to be the priority sector of the economy in the Zhetysu region, as it provides employment for nearly half of the region's population. As of the beginning of 2023, Kazakhstan's total cattle population is 8.4 million head, sheep and goats amount to 19 million head, horses total 3.8 million head, and goats reach 2.3 million head. According to the Global Food Security Index, "...Kazakhstan ranks 54th in terms of food availability, 35th in terms of food availability and economic affordability, and 38th in terms of food quality and safety" [51].

References:

49. Main SEP by regions, cities and single-industry towns Rus-1. Available online: https://old.stat.gov.kz/api/getFile/?docId=ESTAT482864 (accessed on 24 June 2023).

50. Dynamics of the main indicators of socio-economic development of the Almaty region for 1991-2021. Available online: https://old.stat.gov.kz/api/getFile/?docId=ESTAT455912 (accessed on 24 June 2023).

51. How the number of livestock and poultry in Kazakhstan has changed over 10 years. Available online: https://kz.kursiv.media/2023-04-13/kak-za-10-let-izmenilos-pogolove-skota-i-pticzy-v-kazahstane/ (accessed on 24 June 2023).

Comments 8: 419 - "Indian scientists Sangeeta, P. K., and Sangal, A. (2022) and Agrawal, A., and Perrin, N. (2009)" = Indian scientists Sangeeta, P. and colleagues /et al. (2009). - For the entire list of authors, see References.

Response 8: We agree and thank you for your comments: line 385-388. According to your comments, the data have been corrected at the request. 

Indian scientists Sangeeta et al. (2022) and Agrawal et al. (2009) conducted a study of the relationship between financial literacy and financial well-being, and it was concluded that financial attitude and financial behavior have a greater impact on people’s financial well-being [56, 32].

This is indicated in the references:

56.   Sangeeta, S.; Aggarwal P. K.; Sangal, A. Determinants of financial literacy and its influence on financial wellbeing —a study of the young population in Haryana, India. Finance: Theory and Practice, 2022. 26(5), 121-131 pp. https://doi.org/10.26794/2587-5671-2022-26-5-121-131. Available online:  https://financetp.fa.ru/jour/issue/download/74/66#page=119 (accessed on 24 June 2023).

32. Agrawal, A.; Perrin, N. Climate adaptation, local institutions and rural livelihoods. Adapting to climate change: thresholds, values, governance, First edit. Neil Adger, W., Lorenzoni, I., Karen L., Cambridge University Press the Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CD2 8RU, UK, 2009, 350-367 pp. Available online:     https://books.google.com/books?hl=ru&lr=&id=dsD5UdpEOPsC&oi=fnd&pg=PA350&dq=Agrawal,+A.,+%26+Perrin,+N.+(2009).+&ots=4zm_pjlksW&sig=KykdWPiQaKFTLXSI9ztQ9h9Jwm8 (accessed on 24 June 2023).

Comments 9: Section Conclusions: The following part is completely unnecessary in the conclusion:

"An assessment of the sensitivity of 487 livestock breeding households to climate change in the Zhetysu region is the basis for 488 taking measures in accordance with the programs "Implementation of the Program to 489 increase incomes of the population until 2025", "Concept for the development of the agro 490 - industrial complex until 2030", "National project for the development of the agro - 491 industrial complex for 2021 - 2025 years", National action plan for the implementation of 492 the Address of the Head of State to the people of Kazakhstan "New Kazakhstan: the path 493 of renewal and modernization", "Strategy "Kazakhstan 2050", Plan of the nation "100 494 concrete steps to achieve five institutional reforms", "National development plan for 495 2020 - 2025", "Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. "

..because it doesn't contribute anything, instead please write what about the nomads in Kazakhstan in light of climate change, what is a threat to them and only then highlight if there are actions to help.

Response 9: We agree and thank you for your comments: lines 487-495. Based on your comments, the text of the "Conclusions" section has been completely changed.

According to your comment, the specified text was considered superfluous. Based on your comments, the section has been completely changed and supplemented with data on nomad adaptation strategies to climate change.

Within the scope of this assessment, we have analyzed the vulnerability of habitats among nomadic communities in the mountainous regions of the Zhetysu region in Kazakhstan. The key aspect of this study is the identification of the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) through the application of fourteen primary components and fifty-six sub-components, as well as vulnerability indices (LVI-IPCC) using three elements: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Natural disasters driven by drought, temperature fluctuations, and precipitation variations significantly increase the vulnerability of nomadic households living in isolated highland areas with complex infrastructure.

In both regions, nomadic vulnerability is high in components such as natural resources, human-wildlife conflict, housing type, agriculture, food security, and social networks. According to the "Finance and income" indicator, only pastoralists in Panfilov district exhibit high vulnerability.

Identifying the levels of vulnerability of nomadic households to climate change and understanding their adaptation strategies will enable livestock herders to access new means of reducing livelihood vulnerability.

Strategies to mitigate vulnerability related to natural resources involve insuring livestock against natural disasters or environmental risks, such as fires, wildlife attacks, and others. Until now, livestock insurance has been virtually absent in the country.

In the territories of Panfilov and Kerbulak districts of the Zhetysu region, there is the state national natural park "Altyn-Emel," which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The strategy to reduce the conflict between humans and wildlife involves engaging indigenous populations in nature conservation activities, educating nomads on the importance and prospects of protecting Red Book species such as snow leopards, and providing them with sustainable financial resources when they refrain from hunting rare animals.

One way to reduce the financial vulnerability of nomads is to implement adaptive strategies by diversifying livelihoods, such as highland ecotourism in their residential areas.

The strategy for reducing financial vulnerability through improved financial literacy includes organizing targeted seminars and training sessions to provide information about low-interest rate loans (2.5%) under the "Auyl Amanat" project, financial planning, equipping individuals with knowledge, risk identification skills, and risk mitigation measures. Scaling up the pilot Project to increase rural income and agricultural production for rural business financing at 2.5% for various areas, such as effective use of household plots for livestock and crop production, efficient use of land resources outside of settlements legally owned by rural residents, explaining the mechanism of livestock subsidies, and preparing documents for subsidy applications. This will allow livestock herders to understand the functions of subsidies, the possibility of obtaining them under certain conditions, create these conditions themselves, cover part of production costs, and increase business profitability. Training in a cooperative organization with legal status will ensure stable product sales and income growth.

The research results will serve as a basis for taking measures within the framework of the development and implementation of state programs for climate adaptation in accordance with the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where agriculture is one of the priority management directions.

Comments 10: Currently, the conclusion of the article is: "An analysis of the results of the study showed that the adaptive potential of districts can vary from the least vulnerable to the most vulnerable." That doesn't say anything.

The article is interesting, the research material is rich and unique, it is worthwhile to write this article well to serve the international scientific community to better understand the problems of Kazakh nomads in light of climate change. With this premise, you should once again analyze the material and describe the results.

Good luck!

Response 10: We agree and thank you for your comments: lines 484-486.

10.1 Based on your comment, we have decided to replace the above text "Analysis of the study results showed that the adaptation potential of areas can vary from the least vulnerable to the most vulnerable" in the data of research on adaptive strategies of nomads to reduce vulnerability. The text is given in response 9 to comment 9.

10.2 On your recommendation, we have decided to improve the design of figures 2-3.

Figure 2. Line chart of the principal components of the LVI for Kerbulak and Panfilov districts of the Zhetysu region.

Figure 3. LVI - IPCC Vulnerability index of nomads in the Kerbulak and Panfilov districts of the Zhetysu region.

4. Response to Comments on the Quality of English Language

Point 1: Minor editing of the English language is required

Response 1: We agree with your comment. The grammar of the language has been edited and corrected.

Line 137: The LVI calculation used the method developed by Hahn, et al. (2009) [20]

1.1 The LVI calculation uses the method developed by Hahn, et al. (2009) [20]

Line 173: The magnitude of external threats to the people’s well-being as well as their, households and communities determines the degree of vulnerability [21].

1.2 The magnitude of external threats to the people’s well-being, as well as their households and communities, determines the degree of vulnerability [21].

Lines 193-195: The combination of the principal components in the calculation of LVI - IPCC occurs in accordance with the categorization scheme corresponding to the data in Table 1, in accordance with equation (5):

1.3 The combination of the principal components in the calculation of LVI - IPCC occurs by the categorization scheme corresponding to the data in Table 1, in accordance with equation (5):

Line 255: Extremely high variability in precipitation and temperature over the time period under study resulted in a high LVI score.

1.4 Extremely high variability in precipitation and temperature over the period under study resulted in a high LVI score.

Line 271: Infrastructure is the ninth principal component with extremely average index of 0.674 in PD, and average index of 0.433 in KD.

1.5 Infrastructure is the ninth principal component with an extremely average index of 0.674 in PD, and an average index of 0.433 in KD.

Line 272: The time spent by the respondents in the study areas from the pasture to the nearest market indicates the population’s low adaptability and the difficulty in acquiring food and other necessary household goods.

1.6 The time spent by the respondents in the study areas on traveling from the pasture to the nearest market indicates the population’s low adaptability and the difficulty in acquiring food and other necessary household goods.

Line 306: Higher value reflects greater vulnerability, increases susceptibility to water related diseases due to inadequate drinking water supply [39].

1.7 Higher value reflects greater vulnerability and increases susceptibility to water-related diseases due to inadequate drinking water supply [39].

Line 308: According to Dzhabagieva et al., the volume of such works is very large and require huge theoretical and experimental studies.

1.8 According to Dzhabagieva et al., the volume of such works is very large and requires huge theoretical and experimental studies.

Line 313: The survey of respondents shows that the proportion of HHs that received information about natural catastrophies and climate changing is 100%.

1.9 The survey of respondents shows that the proportion of HHs that received information about natural disasters and climate change is 100%.

Line 381: Agriculture has been and continues to be a priority sector of Zhetysu region economy, as it provides employment for almost half of the region population.

2.0 Agriculture has been and continues to be a priority sector of Zhetysu region economy, as it provides employment for almost half of the region’s population.

Line 384: The assessment of the pastoralists vulnerability in both districts under the component “Agriculture and food security” is high.

2.1 The assessment of the pastoralists’ vulnerability in both districts under the component “Agriculture and food security” is high.

Line  389: The rate of HHs in both districts reporting livestock deaths due to snow leopard is quite high.  

2.2 The rate of HHs in both districts reporting livestock deaths due to snow leopards is quite high.

Line 403: Wild predators suffering from lack of food in their natural habitat attack livestock.

2.3 Wild predators suffering from a lack of food in their natural habitat attack livestock.

Lines 413-414: A detailed survey revealed that 100% of cattle breeders in both districts have loans debt connected with the state housing programs implementing, consumer loans, car loans under a preferential program, and purchasing goods on an interest-free installment plan.

2.4 A detailed survey revealed that 100% of cattle breeders in both districts have loan debts connected with the state housing programs implementation, consumer loans, car loans under a preferential program, and purchasing goods on an interest-free installment plan.

Line  418: To date, special Law has been adopted to solve the problem [55].

2.5 To date, a special Law has been adopted to solve the problem [55].

Lines 472-475: Successful adaptation to global climate change depends not only on government policy, but also on the active, continuous involvement of other participants in this process, incl. national, regional, international organizations, representatives of the public and private sectors, civil society.

2.6 Successful adaptation to global climate change depends not only on government policy but also on the active, continuous involvement of other participants in this process, including national, regional, international organizations, representatives of the public and private sectors, civil society.

5. Additional clarifications