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ANALYSIS OF PERCEPTION AND LOCAL ADAPTATION IN AGRICULTURE TO

CLIMATE CHANGE BY CHEPANG COMMUNITIES

IN CHITWAN DISTRICT

Principle Investigator Mukesh Singh Thapa

B. Sc. Agriculture Institute of Agriculture and animal Science (Tribhuvan University), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Major advisor S. K. Shah, Ph. D.

Associate Professor and chairman Department of Agronomy IAAS, Rampur, Chitwan

Submitted to The Explorers Club 46 East 70th Street

New York, NY 10021, USA

December 2010

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.N. Contents Page No. 1. Introduction 4

1.1 Background information 4 1.2 Objectives 4

2. Research Methodology 5 2.1 Research Approach 5 2.2 Site Selection 5 2.3 Sample size, sampling population, and sampling procedure 5 2.4 Interview schedule design 5 2.5 Pre-testing of interview schedule 5

3. Data Collection 5 3.1 Primary data collection 5 3.2 Secondary data collection 6

4. Data analysis 6 4.1 Chepang farmer’s perceptions on changes in temperature 6 4.2 Changes in rainfall pattern 6

5. Local people’s perceptions on changing climate and major impacts 6 6. Adaptation measures 7 7. Conclusion 8 References

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Abstract Nepal's temperature is rising faster than the global average with a higher rate. Marginal people, who are dependent on the nature for their livelihoods, suffer from the impact of climate change and have to struggle hard to cope with it more than others. This paper summarizes the key insights drawn from a research carried out on marginal and disadvantaged major Chepang communities in Chitwan district of central Nepal. The study examines how farmer‘s perceptions regarding climate change correspond with temperature and rainfall and documents local adaptation responses to the impacts of climate change. Altogether 70 household were surveyed from the study sites. The result obtained from survey revealed that 95 percent of the local people interviewed perceived long-term changes in temperature. Among them majority of farmers perceived increase in temperature while few of them noticed decrease in temperature. Additionally, they observed an unpredictable rainfall patterns over the last 10 years, and only 2 percent of farmers noticed a predictable and constant rainfall patterns respectively in the region. Incidents of drought has increased, hail storm occurs abnormally, wind flow pattern is getting warmer, decreasing water sources, changes in flowering and fruiting time, invasion of new weed and reduction of some indigenous plants. Some adaptation measures such as forest protection, utilization of marginal lands by planting millet, trees and grasses, crop diversifications in their farming practices. However, poor and marginalized groups were unaware regarding climate change impacts and adaptation measures.

Key Words: Adaptation, Climate change, Farmer, Impact, Perception, Rainfall, Temperature

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1. Introduction 1.1 Background information

Least developed countries are the ultimate bearer of the likely impact of climate change albeit they are the less emitter in the world. They are the most at risk from climate change because of their dependence on agriculture, especially the subsistence sort with poor irrigation. Nepal is a poor country based on agriculture with 50% of its population living under absolute poverty. Nepal has been experiencing flooding, landslide, drought and variability in occurrence of the irregular course of monsoon. Flooding of Kosi River in monsoon, over the past two years has displaced millions of farmer in Nepal which is direct impact of climate change. The impact of climate change can be much greater for indigenous communities living in the more remote and ecologically fragile zones and relying directly on their immediate environments for subsistence and livelihood (UNFCCC, 2004). The marginal and backward people like Chepangs are on the front line of climate change. Until late in the 20th

century, the Chepang people followed a nomadic lifestyle based on basic agriculture.

According to census carried out in 2001 A.D., a total of 5200 Chepangs live mainly in Kaule, Dahakhani, Kalibash, Darechowk, Siddhichandi, Lother,Saktikhor and other places of Chitwan. Chepangs are one of the most backward indigenous nationalities of Nepal. Food crisis has gripped members of Chepang communities living in rural parts of Chitwan districts. Most of Chepangs practice system of shifting cultivation called ‘Khoriya’ in areas of low fertility and high susceptibility to erosion. Due to their practice of slash and burn farming the condition of Chepangs is dire. They are the most marginalized and powerless people in rural areas of Chitwan, who depend solely on natural resources and climatic sensitive sectors such as agriculture, forest and fish for their livelihood, are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts but they are unaware of it. They depend on monsoon rain for crop cultivation so changing rainfall patterns has devasting results on their livelihood. Local level adaptation strategies should be used to help them to cope with adverse climate change impacts. Anecdotal information and evidences of this from communities require further investigation. Success of this project will describe the result of research looking at whether or not existing local knowledge and livelihood assets enable Chepang to cope with climate changes. It also explains how local knowledge and innovations are important when designing research and development interventions targeting vulnerable communities like Chepangs in Chitwan. Poverty has kicked us in teeth, said Mr. Bir Bahadur Chepang of Siddhi-8 “my wife committed suicide last year due to grinding poverty.” Adoption is especially urgent and necessary in communities like Chepangs with the least human, institutional and financial capacity to anticipate and respond to climate change impacts. These communities need support for adaptation. Various studies show that tens of billions of dollars are require to support adaptation activities and to explore new scientific results and ideas for the improvement of such communities in developing countries, but that there is currently a huge fund deficit, lack of research and exploration of scientific method to solve problem of Chepang communities driven by climate change in Chitwan. The primary motive of this project is to analyze the impact of climate change on agriculture system and livelihood of Chepangs and to solve their problem, boost up their level of awareness based on the scientific results of the research. 1.2 Objectives General objectives

• To analyze the perception and local adaptation in agriculture systems to climate change by Chepang communities in Chitwan.

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Specific objectives

• To know whether Chepangs communities have used traditional methods and local knowledge to adopt climate variability for generations.

• To study the trend of climatic variables i.e. temperature, rainfall and relative humidity in

Chitwan. • To study the change in farming system and yield trend in farmer's field in changing

climate. • To identify key issues, climate change impacts and community based adaptation.

2. Research Methodology 2.1 Research Approach

The research follows qualitative as well as quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. Research approach used for collection of data for this study is exploratory, where the gathering of information is through interaction with farmers, observing their actions, situations and exploring the individuals ‘attitudes, preferences or behaviors. 2.2 Site Selection

This study was carried out in Chitwan district of central Nepal. Marginal and disadvantaged major Chepang communities were selected for the study. The study sites were selected purposively since the impact of climate change is observed seriously in the Chepang communities residing in the rural part of Chitwan district. 2.3 Sample size, sampling population, and sampling procedure

All the farmers belonging to the Chepang communities were the population for the study. From each Chepang community 35 household were selected randomly. Altogether 70 household were surveyed from the study sites.

2.4 Interview schedule design

For the construction of the interview schedule, a coordination schema was prepared in consistent with the objectives of the study. Based on the co-ordination schema different variables were included in the interview schedule.

2.5 Pre-testing of interview schedule

The interview schedule was pre-tested prior to field survey for checking its reliability and validity through selection of 15 respondents near to the study area. Then necessary adjustment was made as per the requirements in the schedule.

3. Data Collection This study was conducted through the analysis of data obtained from field

observation, Personal interview, key informants interview as well as consultation with research and academic institutions and other institutional and individual information sources. 3.1 Primary data collection Primary data was collected through reconnaissance survey and by using different RRA tools such as focal group discussion, key informants interview, transect walk, crop calendar and field observation. The data was also collected from the discussion with agriculture

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development workers, GOs, NGOs and INGOs workers and government officials. Furthermore, the household survey conducted by using structured questionnaires was used to gather detailed information on Chepang farmers’ perception on climate change and adaptation measures practiced. 3.2 Secondary data collection The secondary data was borrowed from District Agriculture Development Office, Chitwan and Central Bureau of Statistics, Journals, working papers, published and unpublished project reports, seminar and workshop papers and e-materials.

4. Data analysis To assess local peoples ‘perception on climate change, we first observed the climatic

data recorded at meteorological stations and analyzed how farmers perceived these changes. Tests were undertaken for linear trend in annual means and seasonal means of temperature, and total annual and seasonal rainfall in Chitwan. Descriptive statistics based on summary counts of the structured questionnaire are used to provide insights into farmer’s perception on climate change and variability. 4.1 Chepang farmer’s perceptions on changes in temperature

The result obtained from survey revealed that 95 percent of the local people interviewed perceived long-term changes in temperature. Among them majority of farmers perceived increase in temperature while few of them noticed decrease in temperature.

The statistical temperature data obtained from meteorological station between 1980 and 2010 showed an increasing trend, with the increased mostly in the winter. The annual temperature increasing trend followed 0.055>0.0455>0.035>0.02 0C yr-1 from Middle Mountain, Siwlik, Himalayan and Teari regions respectively. Though this warming trend is in line with the average annual temperature increase calculated by Shrestha et. al. (1999).This shows the clear indication of the warming trend in the area. Therefore, the local farmer’s perceptions appear to be in line with the statistical data in the region. 4.2 Changes in rainfall pattern

Majority of the respondents (98%) observed an unpredictable rainfall patterns over the last 10 years, and only 2 percent of farmers noticed a predictable and constant rainfall patterns in the region. Almost 83 % percent of the respondents said that the incident of drought and flood has been increasing. They also said their agriculture production is in decreasing trend because of untimely and unusual rainfall patterns over the past few years.

About 70 to 90% of the rainfall occurs during summer monsoon (June to September) and the rest of the months are almost dry. Pre-monsoon (Jan-May) rainfall trend doesn‘t show great variations, but during the last few years of the study (2003 to 2009) there was a substantial decreased in the amount of rainfall especially in monsoon . And again in 2007 this rainfall trend was found to be increased. These strongly indicate that local peoples in such scenario couldn‘t predict the usual rainfall pattern. 5. Local people’s perceptions on changing climate and major impacts

Agriculture is the mainstay in the study area and more than 95 % people follow traditional cultivation practices that rely on seasonal rain water. Local people shared some experiences of climatic conditions, ecosystem function & process, and biological system. People responded that climate change has both positive and negative impact on rural livelihood. But most of the respondents were not aware about climate change instead they understand only rainfall and warming system. Moreover, respondents were totally unaware

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about changing climate and its impacts. Local peoples' past experience showed increasing warming days, erratic rainfall patterns, ecological variability, biological change and their adverse effects on human beings. More than 80% respondents said that warming days are increasing, rainfall pattern is unpredictable, seasons are changing, incidents of drought is increasing, hail storm occurs abnormally, wind pattern is getting warmer, decreasing water sources, wind storm is getting stronger, changes in flowering and fruiting time, invasion of new plant species and reduction of some indigenous plants. Local People revealed that different plant species were flowering and fruiting irregularly. In agriculture system they are observing some unusual phenomena: Fast maturity of Maize and Rice, new types of pests, short stalk of rice and wheat.

Local peoples‘responses and verification in the field provided evident of invasive species like Ageratum sps (which is not edible for livestock), Ageratina adenophora (Black Eupatorium), Chromolaena odorata (White Eupatorium) and these weeds are taken as a major causes of declining cereal production, grass coverage and reduction of perennial local herbs. At the same time, the common herbs of the area, such as Ageratum conyzoids (which is edible for livestock) and other useful plants are disappearing from the area. Study found that there was also decreased in water sources, ground water, and increased siltation and sedimentation in the downstream. Scientific communities believe that changes in temperature and rainfall are creating favorable environments for pests, diseases and invasive species to emerge, spread and encroach on agriculture and forestlands (SAGUN, 2009).

Agriculture was the mainstay in the study area. Most people follow traditional cultivation practices that rely on seasonal rain water. Erratic rainfall patterns and hailstorm contributing to soil erosion, soil fertility loss, and crop damage are having an adverse impact on livelihoods of most of these communities, thus increasing risk to food security. Natural resource degradation, poverty are already severe problems in this region, and there will be more severe problems in future if present scenario continues, particularly because small farmers do not have adequate resources to adopt to cope with climate change impact. This may affects agriculture, and subsequently food security. 6. Adaptation measures

Adaptation, which refers to finding and implementing sound ways of adjusting to the adverse effects of climate change, is becoming an urgent and immediate need. Noteworthy is that farmers are trying to get adapted to the situation through such activities as selecting the suitable crop/variety, altering in planting time, developing new technologies, forest protection, utilization of marginal lands by planting trees and grasses, crop diversifications in their farming practices etc. Nepal’s strategy on climate change adaptation and mitigation is still at an early stage of development and Nepal’s National Action Plan for Adaptation (NAPA) is under progress. At the study site, there were some local coping and adaptation strategies adopted in response to observed risks and hazards related to climate and non-climatic factors. Most of the coping activities were found to be event specific based on local knowledge and innovations, because most of the respondents were not aware about actual impacts of climate changes. The study found that traditionally local people has managed forest very well which is the good indication of coping with the impacts of climate changes. This may be the reason that there was no big landslide. Majority of these local farmers were practicing vegetable farming instead of cereal crops as crop diversification as well as to earn more income than cereal crops. Optimum utilization of marginal lands by planting millet, fodder trees, fruit trees, and other grasses also observed.

There is trend of changing new varieties of crops which has bad impact on conservation of local races of crops. The erratic rainfall pattern had affected regular cultivation of agricultural crops. Farmers were looking for alternative crops that could be

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produced under erratic rainfall conditions. Some farmers had replaced rice with maize and because that was the best alternative in hand. The main reason for such a replacement was not for the value of the maize produce, but to prevent their farmlands from lying fallow. On the basis of these results it can be said that Local people are only experiencing some changing climatic patterns, but they are not facing serious effects due to climate changes so there is not any structured strategy solely focusing to adaptation. It may be due to the lack of working organizations which can explain all the causes and consequences of climate change to the villagers. 7. Conclusion

Variations in temperature and precipitation patterns have impacts on various aspects of local life. People reported that these impacts are both negative and positive. Farmers’ perceptions of climate variability were in line with climatic data records. Study showed that Chepang farmers were able to recognize that temperatures have increased with the increase mostly in the winter period. Over the 30 years examined, rainfall is characterized by large inter annual variability with a substantial decrease in the amount of rainfall. However, there is a noticeable, long-running trend of increasing rainfall. Similar response reported by local people on climate variability is in line with climatic data records. Indeed, Chepang farmers of Chitwan district were able to recognize that temperatures have increased and there has been a fluctuation in the volume of rainfall. Impacts were observed contributing to loss of species and local landraces, declining productivity and yield, outbreak of diseases and pests, rapid encroachment by invasive species, and emergence of human diseases. Local knowledge, practices and innovations are important elements for community-based coping and adaptation mechanisms. There was limited awareness, knowledge and capacity at local level to understand climate change scenarios, address issues, and conduct long-term planning. Coping strategies and adaptation mechanism were limited at the study site.

Government policies should therefore ensure that farmers have access to affordable credit to increase their ability and flexibility to change production strategies in response to the forecasted climate conditions. Furthermore, government should improve off-farm income-earning opportunities. There is urgent need to undertake the steps towards awareness increasing programs regarding future unavoidable impacts of climate change and strategies to cope with it.

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References Chapagain, B.K., Subedi, R., & Paudel, N.S., 2009. Exploring Local Knowledge of Climate

Change: Some Reflections. Journal of Forest and Livelihood, 8(1)108-112. Gharti Chhetri, G. 2005. Report on PRA in Kabilash VDC ward 1 and 9, Chitwan Nepal.

Kathmandu: Practical Action Nepal. Gurung, G.B. 2007. Pushkar is Now More Resilient to Impacts of Climate Change: a

Personal Case Study. Kathmandu: Practical Action Nepal. Gurung, G.B. and Bhandari, D., 2009. Integrated Approach to Climate Change Adaptation.

Journal of Forest and Livelihood, 8(1)91-99 Jianchu, X., Shrestha, A., Rameshananda Vaidya, R., Eriksson, M., & Hewitt, K., 2007.The

Melting Himalayas: Regional Challenges and Local Impacts of Climate Change on Mountain Ecosystems and Livelihoods, ICIMOD Technical Paper.

CBS, 2009. Environmental Statistics of Nepal. Kathmandu, Nepal

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GLIMPSES OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 2010

Open livestock shed Can traditional farming feed his children?

Interaction with chepang farmer Farmers house and field in slopy area

Chepang farmer working in the field Chepang farmer collecting millet seedling

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Where they cook food ? Indigenous compost pit

Erosion prone agriculture Local talent providing stacking to citrus

Ploughing field with indigenous plough Women performing weeding operation

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Banana cultivation better way to earning Structure made to guard the crops from monkey

Smiling old face hiding his tears Hopes are stiil alive

Chepang child carrying water for drinking Not enough clothes to wear

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Chepang lady with her child Interaction with one of the respondent

Poor Chepang family Open system of goat grazing

Typical chepang house

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