Impact of Climate Change on the Farming Community of Bhaktapur District of Nepal

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of climate change on the farming community in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The study considered rainfall, temperature, flood/drought, harvest and sowing time, and pest and disease incidence over 20 years as primary factors to be considered. A household survey of 120 houses was conducted following the set of questionnaires prepared. As a result, significant changes were observed in climatic aspects as well as biological aspects. The obtained result demonstrated that the precipitation observed drastic change as there was an incidence of erratic and heavy rainfall on summer days while the intensity and frequency of rainfall decreased during winter. These abnormalities certainly do not favor agriculture and farming. Similarly, the temperature of the study area has increased annually over the last two decades. The data suggests that the average annual temperature is increasing at the rate of 0.038°C per year. Moreover, the survey showed that the time of harvest and time of sowing seeds have been delayed respectively to the time a few decades back while the climatic aberrations have increased the incidence of pests and diseases. In a nutshell, the changes in climatic conditions have a drastic change in the farming system and thus the agricultural produce and productivity. The study highlights the significant impact of climate change on traditional farming practices in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It underscores how changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and the incidence of extreme weather events like floods and droughts have disrupted agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting cycles. The research not only identifies challenges but also emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on farming communities. By linking research findings to policy recommendations and practical interventions, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and local stakeholders striving to build resilience in agricultural systems.