A Study on Perception and Adaptation of the Farmers toward Climate Change in the Western Region of Nepal

Aims: This study was undertaken to identify the perception of farmers towards climate change and their adaptation towards the change. The study also identified the sources of climate change information at the local level and their expectation from concerned authorities regarding the agriculture-related issues pertaining to climate change.

Study Design: The study was conducted in two different geographical region Arghakhanchi (hilly) and Kapilvastu (terai) to represent the major farming region of the country.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in two districts which are Arghakhanchi and Kapilvastu, of western Nepal. A total of 120 samples such that 60 samples each were taken from both districts in the month of September and October of 2018.

Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from participants.

Results: The study has revealed that the majority of the farmers have perceived an increase in temperature, a decrease in rainfall and late on-set of the rainy season. Similarly, radio was found to be the primary source of climate change information, followed by television. Change in planting season and decrease in the farm size under cultivation were found to be the most adapted practices among farmers against climate change. Furthermore, it was found that majority of the farmers expect to have crop insurance and availability of improved variety seeds as support from government and concerned authorities.

Conclusion: Most of the respondents made the accurate assumptions regarding climate change. Understanding the relationship between the climate change and agriculture and perception of people towards those changes is essential. It helps to evaluate possible impacts that may result from further changes in climate and plan suitable adaptation practices. Knowledge about these findings can be useful for making various plans and policies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture in the studied area.