Climate Change and Agriculture in Nepal

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Presentation by Milan Kandel
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Impact of Climate
Change
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Climate change has led to an increase
in average temperatures in the hilly
areas of Nepal. Higher temperatures
can affect crop growth and yield, as
well as the prevalence of pests and
diseases. It also accelerates snow and
glacial melt, impacting water
availability for irrigation and
livestock.
Changes in Temperature Precipitation Variations
Extreme Weather Events
Alterations in precipitation patterns
have been observed, including
irregular rainfall, shorter monsoon
periods, and intensified dry spells.
These fluctuations can disrupt
planting and harvesting schedules,
impacting agricultural productivity,
and leading to water stress for crops
and livestock.
Hilly areas of Nepal experience
increased frequency and intensity of
extreme weather events, such as
heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash
floods. These events pose significant
threats to agricultural infrastructure,
soil erosion, and the livelihood of
farmers and their communities.

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Adaptation Strategies
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Terracing is a traditional technique
used to prevent soil erosion and
manage water for irrigation. It
enables cultivation on steep slopes,
conserves soil moisture, reduces
surface runoff, and facilitates
sustainable farming practices in hilly
terrains.
Terracing Water Conservation
Crop Diversification
Implementing water conservation
methods like rainwater harvesting,
construction of ponds, and micro-
irrigation systems helps mitigate
water scarcity during dry periods.
These practices improve the
resilience of agricultural systems to
erratic rainfall patterns.
Diversifying crops through mixed
farming and introducing climate-
resilient varieties can enhance
agricultural resilience. Crop
diversification reduces vulnerability
to climate risks, promotes soil
nutrient balance, and provides
alternate sources of income for
farmers.

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Challenges Faced
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Climate-induced factors like heavy
rainfall and altered precipitation
patterns contribute to soil erosion,
threatening farmland productivity
and leading to sedimentation in
water bodies. Soil conservation
measures are crucial to address this
challenge.
Soil Erosion Water Scarcity and Pests
Unpredictable rainfall patterns create
water shortages, affecting crop
growth and livestock management.
Additionally, changes in temperature
and precipitation influence pest
patterns, necessitating adaptive pest
management strategies for
sustainable agriculture.

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Opportunities for
Resilience
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Implementing sustainable farming
practices, including organic farming,
agroforestry, and integrated crop-
livestock systems, enhances
ecosystem resilience, reduces
greenhouse gas emissions, and
promotes biodiversity conservation.
Sustainable Farming Practices Innovative Technologies
Community-based Initiatives
Integration of innovative
technologies like climate-smart
agriculture, drought-resistant seeds,
and precision agriculture supports
efficient resource management,
improved crop yields, and climate
adaptation in hilly terrain agriculture.
Engaging local communities in
collective efforts, knowledge sharing,
and cooperative agricultural practices
fosters resilience and adaptive
capacity. Collaborative initiatives
empower farmers to address
common challenges and adapt to
changing climatic conditions.

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Policy and
Support
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Need for Policy Interventions
Policy interventions are essential to support climate-
resilient agriculture, promote sustainable land use,
enhance water resource management, and integrate
climate adaptation considerations into agricultural
development plans and policies.
Support Systems for Farmers
Establishing support systems, including access to
climate information, financial assistance, extension
services, and capacity-building programs, is vital to
assist farmers in implementing adaptation strategies
and mitigating climate risks in agriculture.

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Call to Action
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It is imperative to advocate for collaborative efforts among
stakeholders, governmental agencies, NGOs, and research
institutions to prioritize climate-resilient agriculture.
Allocating resources and knowledge exchange can drive
sustainable adaptation and mitigation actions in hilly area
agriculture of Nepal.
Collaborative Efforts for Resilient Agriculture