Perception of climate change, impact and adaptation practices ( A case study of daderi community forest users group, Bangesal, Pyuthan District, Nepal)

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Climate change is no more a new expression for any human as its effect is visible all over the world. Several authors have provided evidences regarding its impact on different sectors such as forestry, natural resources, livestock, water, agriculture, environment, health, etc which directly affect the livelihood of people. It can be said that the vulnerabilities of CC at local level is realized more severe, therefore there is a need for adaptive strategies. This particular study entitled “Perception of Climate Change, Impact and adaptation practices" was carried out in Daderi CFUG of Bangesal VDC of Pyuthan District, with the main objectives of to assess the local understanding on climate change, adaptation practiced and impact of climate change in livelihoods and exploring the adaptation strategies adapted in the study area. 40 females and 40 male member of CFUG (out of 101 members) were interviewed to get answer of the major questions of the research. Various tools and techniques like focus group discussion, key informants survey, case study, seasonal calendar analysis, timeline and trend analysis, resource map were also used to collect primary data and the collected data were triangulated from various sources where as different published and unpublished literatures were reviewed as source of secondary data.

The study had shown that most of the respondents were aware of the CC and they knew what climate change was. They had perceived the effects of climate change in agriculture and food security, water resource and energy, forest and bio-diversity, and public health. The visible impacts of the climate change that respondents had observed were decrease in quality and productively of agricultural crops decrease in water resource, loss in biodiversity and increased health hazards.

The people there were found to be less aware of the causes and future possible impacts of climate change. The adaptive measures developed by knowing the climate change issues were not implemented in the study area. The study discovered that the poor people were more vulnerable to climate change due to their limited assets of livelihood. They were also dependent upon the environment and the direct use of natural resources and therefore were affected when their access to natural resource were denied.

Therefore, there is necessitating of wide awareness on the topic to better cope with the situation. Adaptation measures on the basis of their requirement like agriculture, water resources, forest and biodiversity alternative options etc should be implemented.