Impacts of environmental change on agroecosystems and livelihoods in Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Environmental Development

Publication Date

3-1-2018

Abstract

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. To understand local perceptions of the impacts of environmental change in two mountain districts of Nepal — Myagdi and Mustang — between 2010 and 2014, a survey, focus groups, town hall meetings, and extensive consultation with local stakeholders were conducted, supplemented by analyses of soil, rainfall, and temperature data. Mountain people in Nepal shared their perceptions of environmental change in their everyday lives, including agricultural practices and tourism activities. While ordinary individuals welcome the construction of new roads, elites still prefer to maintain trails and the status quo. People are concerned about the introduction of mosquitoes, increases in insect pests and plant pathogens, and other vectors along with roads. Snowfall has decreased and rainfall has been unpredictable. Mean minimum winter temperatures have increased and the mountains are experiencing shorter winters and less snow accumulation, which threaten the livelihoods of people that depend on fresh water. While people with means are replacing their traditional homes with modern homes, that is beyond reach for average Mustangi citizens. Expansion and diversification of agriculture, adoption of sound soil management techniques in Marpha village of Mustang and Shikha village of Myagdi, and growing forest cover in Shikha are some indicators of enhanced community managed practices. The coping strategies and indigenous practices adopted by local people in the region against hardship and environmental changes could serve as examples in similar mountain settings elsewhere.

ISSN

2211-4645

Publisher

Elsevier B.V.

Volume

25

First Page

59

Last Page

72

Disciplines

Life Sciences

Keywords

Annapurna Conservation Area, Climate change in the Nepalese Himalayas, Kali Gandaki River, Livelihood, Mustang, Myagdi

Scopus ID

85031761768

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Green: A manuscript of this publication is openly available in a repository

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