Climate change adaptation measure on agricultural communities of Dhye in Upper Mustang, Nepal

Abstract

The people in remote areas of Nepal, like Dhye Village, have adjusted their agriculture-based livelihood to arid environment and have been balancing their needs with what nature provided. However, the livelihood of residence of Dhye was becoming more difficult due to impact of climate change (CC). This research had attempted to evaluate the potential adaptation measures to avoid CC-induced migration based on analysis of hydro-meteorological data, documented bio-physical and socio-economic effects of CC, locally available natural resources, and recommended best adaptation measures. The study assessed that low rainfall and erratic pattern, shifting snowfall pattern, decreasing humidity, and increased air temperature created the water stress as the result dried up the spring and dropping of soil moisture which had direct negative impact on supporting healthy plant growth and animals had to travel further for fodder and water. In realized that fact residents in village have adopted different adaptation strategy mainly seasonal migration, started selling their properties and leaving the village for the collective-survival of the community, the Dhye farmers unanimously decided to leave their habitats enmasse and resettle at Thangchung (near the bank of Dhye River), thus become climate refugee. The findings revealed that there was a direct link between the changes in climate parameters in Dhye Village and its consequences, and suggesting the resettlement of them to Thangchung as the best adaption option with need to make proper policy on climate change adaptation, and its timely implementation that could have averted this unfortunate situation.