Perception of an adaptation to climate change by the maize farmers of Baitadi District, Nepal

Abstract

A survey research was conducted in Dilasaini and Dogadakedar rural municipalities of Baitadi district, Nepal to study the perception of and adaption to climate change by the maize farmers. Thirty households from each local levels were selected randomly. Primary data was collected through household survey with pre-tested interview schedule, direct observation and focus group discussion. Descriptive statistics along with binary logistic regression model were used for analysis of the data. The total population was dominated by brahmin and chhetri (89.67%) followed by occupational caste (10%) community with economically active population 61.68 percent. The major occupation was agriculture (65%). Farmers were gradually diverted towards other livelihood options like remittance, off farm activities, beside agriculture. 68.33 percent of total households were dominated by male while only 31.67 percent were female dominated. Majority of farmers (91%) perceived changes in climatic affected the maize production. Most of the farmers reported frequent drought followed by off seasonal rain. Almost 78.3 percent households preferred radio for the information related to climate change. Age and agriculture as the major source of income were found significantly affecting the knowledge on climate change negatively. Individuals with agriculture as the major income possess comparatively less knowledge on climate change as compared to their younger counterfeit. The existing climate change coping strategies depends heavily on the traditional knowledge. Promoting the minors with precise information, skills and knowledge, garnered through site-specific researches along with holistic mitigating approaches and scaling up traditional knowledge on climate change impacts and adaptation strategy is sure to pave a way forward to climate resilience community.