ABSTRACT
Climate change is posing a serious threat in both low- and high-income countries. The IPCC projects that for every 1° C rise in temperature, agricultural water demand increases by 6 to 10 percent. Overall, climate change is expected to reduce yields by 9 percent to 22 percent worldwide by 2080. Decreased production of this magnitude ultimately will lead to widespread food insecurity and poor living standards especially for the most vulnerable members of society. Scientists and other concerned individuals have stressed the need for adaptations to changing water availability. Enhancing resilience of families, businesses, and communities requires research-based adaptation strategies designed within the context of development plans. This chapter describes a study intended to determine current adaptation strategies adopted by farmers in Nepal – one of the more vulnerable regions of the world. Results of this research will support policy actions to develop more economically and environmentally sound mountain farming systems, and to improve the living standards of mountain populations and populations living downstream. The rationale for this research was that by identifying early changes in conditions faced by small-hold farmers, and by identifying key vulnerabilities, it would be possible to anticipate some of the most fruitful intervention points for researchers and policy-makers. Furthermore, by identifying current responses of smallholders to these changes, and by documenting the consequences of the responses, better strategies for longer-term adaptation to changing climatic conditions are possible.
