Exploring Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change Adaptation in Panchkhal Municipality-3, Kavrepalanchok District, Nepal

Abstract

Nepalese smallholder farmers are becoming vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This study aims to find the knowledge, perceptions and adaptation practices of the farmers in Panchkhal Municipality-3 of Kavrepalanchok, a renowned agricultural hub of Nepal. The study used qualitative approach and case study research design. Required information were collected through in-depth interview (n=12) and group discussion (n=3). The participants or representatives of farmers, agricultural officials and farmer community were selected purposively. Thematic analysis was performed on the data, and they were interpreted using Cultural Theory of Risk, which sees the way that institutions and social groups perceive and respond to climate risk as tied to their worldviews. The findings reveal that the farmers' knowledge of climate change is at moderate level, and this knowledge is mostly acquired from their personal experience of climate related issues like irregular rainfall, heat stress and reduced yields. Participants, in turn, have implemented strategies that they believe have made them less vulnerable to the risks of climate change and more resilient to climate impacts, such as diversifying crops, tunnel farming, percolating ponds and better irrigation practices. But awareness and implementation of the Local Adaptation Plan of Action  is low among farmers and some adaptation activities have been limited by poor coordination with government agencies, inequitable budget allocation, weak monitoring and by political and economic instability. The study finds that enhancing institutional coordination, scaling up farmer-centered training and enhancing market and climate finance support is critical to maintaining adaptation progress. It suggests implementing integrated institutional assistance to build local climate change adaptation measures more resilient.