Farmers’ Perception and Adaptation Strategies on Climate Change and Variability in Rice Production in Sarlahi, Nepal

Banjade, Dhurba; Khanal, Dipak; Banstola, Rubisha; Regmi, Pratima; Yadav, Dipesh Chand

Farmers’ Perception and Adaptation Strategies on Climate Change and Variability in Rice Production in Sarlahi, Nepal

2024

Banjade, Dhurba | Khanal, Dipak | Banstola, Rubisha | Regmi, Pratima | Yadav, Dipesh Chand

A study conducted in Sarlahi, Nepal, from February to July 2024 examined farmers' perceptions of climate change and their adaptive strategies to sustain rice yields. Among the 94 surveyed households, 96.8% reported rising temperatures, while 90.4% noted reduced rainfall frequency and intensity. Additionally, most respondents (70.2%) observed decreased flooding intensity, and 90.4% reported lower water availability in tube wells, ponds, and rivers. The study revealed limited climate knowledge among farmers, with only 2.1% being well-informed; personal experience was the primary source of information for 75.5% of respondents. Farmers employed various adaptation techniques, including improved rice varieties (66%), green manuring (34%), and alternate wetting and drying (24.5%), although only a small percentage (8.5%) utilized crop insurance. Key challenges included climate-induced disease outbreaks like blast and bacterial blight, along with pests such as the rice stem borer and leaf roller. The findings indicated that gender and landholding size significantly influenced the adoption of adaptation practices, with larger landholders more likely to adapt than smaller ones. This research contributes valuable insights into the adaptive capacities of farmers facing climate change, underscoring the need for targeted policy interventions to enhance resilience in rice cultivation through comprehensive education and resource support.

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