A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Geographical Sciences has identified key factors that influence smallholder farmers' ability to adapt to climate change across South Asia. Researchers from Tribhuvan University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences discovered that farmers' resilience depends on a complex interplay of land access, financial resources, community networks, and agricultural knowledge.
The research, which surveyed 633 farming families, revealed significant variations in adaptive capacity across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. While each country faced unique challenges, common barriers included limited access to weather information, inadequate infrastructure, and financial constraints. Nearly 90% of farmers in Bangladesh and Nepal reported experiencing negative climate impacts, yet few had resources to respond effectively.
Key findings showed that farmers' resilience was enhanced by factors such as participation in skill-development training, access to crop insurance, and income diversification. In Nepal, landholding size and social networks played crucial roles, while Indian farmers benefited from flexible planting schedules. Bangladeshi farmers demonstrated greater resilience through access to financial institutions and community support.
The study emphasizes that adaptation strategies must go beyond technical knowledge, focusing instead on comprehensive support systems. Prof. Prem Sagar Chapagain, a lead researcher, stressed the importance of understanding broader socio-economic contexts in farmers' adaptation efforts.
The research suggests that governments should prioritize improving financial services, infrastructure, and agricultural extension programs. Providing timely weather data, supporting crop insurance, and facilitating income diversification could significantly enhance farmers' ability to manage climate-related challenges.
With agriculture supporting over half the population in these regions, the study's insights are crucial for developing effective climate adaptation policies. By addressing systemic barriers and providing targeted support, policymakers can help vulnerable farming communities build resilience in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
