Climate change in Lamjung District, Nepal: meteorological evidence, community perceptions, and responses

Climate change is a global threat which has particularly strong impacts on countries whose economies are highly dependent on agriculture and still developing--like Nepal. As these impacts increase, there is a need to understand how those most vulnerable are experiencing and reacting to climate change. As such, this study aims to understand the effects of climate change via changes in atmospheric conditions in Bansar Village Development Committee, a rural community located in Lamjung District, and document community-led adaptation strategies. Household surveys and focused group discussions were conducted in conjunction with long-term meteorological data. Results show the temperature has increased significantly in the study area. Additionally, precipitation has increased in the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon season while it has decreased in winter leading to droughts. The probability of erratic rainfall occurrence and severe weather such as hailstorms has also increased. Lastly, invasive species have been reported and observed. The combination of these impacts has led to increased crop failure and consequently decreased agricultural production thus threatening the livelihoods of this agricultural based community. However, Bansar residents are actively working to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Their responses include changing farming methods and installing new water infrastructure