Impact of Climate Change on Livelihoods of Rural Communities a Case Study of Shankar Pokhari VDC, Parbat District

Abstract

Climate change is contemporary global threat to the animal world. Green house gases are resulting global warming which is reacting different impact in the world.Because of human activities green house glasses are increasing. Nepal’s temperature is increasing at an alarming rate. Increasing temperature is creating different impacts on biodiversity health the environment and other aspects of life of the animal world.Nepal is also facing the threat of climate change. This study was conducted on Shankar Pokhari VDC of Parbat district during the period of October 18 to 27 The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of climate change on agriculture, people’s health, and on biodiversity. Questionnaire survey, key informant interview focus group discussion were conducted in collecting primary information.In total 60 households were selected (20 houses from each of wards 3, 4 and 8).The data were analyzed using SPSS computer software. It was found that some special signs of climate change are experienced by rural communities of the study area. Local communities experienced increasing warm days and shortening cold/winter days. Te pattern, intensity and amount of rainfall also changed resulting in the scarcity of water. Moreover, people started feelings of scarcity of water for irrigation drinking climate change was affecting agriculture,production of main crops and cash crops has decreased. Different invasive species,pests and insects were increasing in farm. Many species of main crops such rice,wheat, mustard and endemic species water corn for instance are in threat. Livestock are also affected from climate change because of less germination of fodder. Number of livestock had decreased, resulting in declining incomes from livestock and related activities. Community members had experienced different new diseases including mosquitoes. Different health problems were increasing especially women and children have been affected from itching problem, skin diseases, and eye infection problem. On the other hand the time of flowering different species including Rhododendron was changed and so were the germination harvesting and maturing times of different corps ha changed.Income level from agriculture and livestock had decreased. So, people are separating from their traditional occupation, why of life and they are seeking alternative professions. It is concluded that climate change is creating multidimensional impacts on the life of rural communities. Adaptation practices must be developed and awareness level of the people on climate change must be increased.