International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

Climate-related shocks, such as extreme heatwaves and catastrophic flooding increasingly threaten global developmental gains. The study identified three core dimensions-Environmental, Social, and Economic efficiency. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining qualitative insights from literature and expert consultations with quantitative techniques for index construction and validation. Out of an initial pool of 72 indicators, 43 were retained following rigorous relevancy testing based on a Mean Relevancy Score (MRS) of ≥ 1.5 and a Relevancy Percentage (RP) of ≥ 75 per cent. Scale value calculations revealed that Environmental Efficiency is the most significant dimension (Weight: 6.93), followed by Social Efficiency (Weight: 5.00) and Economic Efficiency (Weight: 3.07). The overall index demonstrated excellent internal consistency with a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.894, well above the standard 0.70 threshold. The instrument achieved a content validity of 0.945 and a statistical validity coefficient of 0.897, confirming its high precision in measuring intended resilience constructs. The developed index will serve as a statistically sound tool for policymakers, extension agencies, and stakeholders to track adaptation progress and identify instances of maladaptation in real-time. By prioritizing environmental and social dimensions alongside economic ones, extension services can better refine climate-smart strategies to foster long-term transformative capacity in vulnerable rural communities.