Author: Bidhya Poudel Chhetri
“Agriculture is our lifeline, but climate change is making it difficult for us to sustain our livelihoods,” says Prema Budha one of the women farmers of Dailekh District.
In the far-west region of Nepal, where the Himalayas meet the sky, rural communities are fighting a brave battle against climate change.
Rural communities of Nepal are facing significant barriers in the agriculture sector due to the impacts of climate change, which menace their food security and livelihoods. Climate change affects regions and populations unevenly, with a pronounced differential impact on men and women (Goodrich, Mehta, & Bisht, 2017). Climate change is more than a trendy term; it’s a pressing issue that women face daily.
“Dailekh, far- west region of Nepal, is struggling to cope with the adverse effects of climate change.” Farmers of Dailekh share that the region has experienced changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, hailstorms, soil degradation, and water scarcity all exacerbated by climate change. These challenges are affecting agriculture, making it difficult for farmers to sustain their livelihoods (Ghimire & Poudel Chhetri, 2023).
Gender inequality intensified by the climate crisis
The outmigration of men to other countries especially India in search of job opportunities has led to the feminization of rural communities, women are most participants in community activities and farming (Tamang, Paudel, & Shrestha, 2024). However, these changes are not always positive as they increase workload and family responsibilities (Poudel Chhetri & Ghimire, 2023). Women bear the double burden of household chores and farming activities, and they are disproportionately affected due to a lack of access to resources, finance, technology, and markets which limits their ability to invest in sustainable farming practices (Huyer, 2016). This situation makes them more vulnerable because of inequalities in the distribution of rights, assets, and resources.
But amidst the challenges, there are stories of hope and resilience.
Women’s role in organic farming
In my journey, I found pockets of success, where women are making tangible differences by adopting sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient agriculture (CRA). This is with the help of the GRAPE project implemented by ICIMOD, which aims to promote climate-resilient practices in Nepal’s Sudhurpaschim and Karnali provinces.
During my field visit, I met with many female farmers and connected with them. The women farmers in this region are very determined, eager to learn, and ready to make tangible differences by adopting organic and sustainable farming practices. They shared the challenges they face in their daily lives, which arise from the combined burden of household responsibilities and farming activities. One major issue is the need to carry water from a distance to irrigate their plants, which has led to various health problems for them such as musculoskeletal pain, backache and the alarming rate of uterus pain/prolapse. Traditional agricultural practices pose challenges, including work-related injuries such as blisters, and cuts and health issues for women such as Backache, and whole-body pain. “With the introduction of women-friendly agriculture tools, we found it timesaving, easy to use, reduced physical strain, and enhanced efficiency in farm work. These tools have made our life much easier than before” shared the women farmers.
Meet Subhadra Kumari Upadhaya: A Model Farmer Pioneering Climate-Resilient Agriculture
In the scenic Dailekh district, Nepal, Subhadra Kumari Upadhaya, a 36-year-old model farmer, is transforming agricultural practices with her innovative and resilient approach with the help of the GRAPE (Green Resilient Agriculture Productive Ecosystem) Project. Before the implementation of the project, she practiced traditional farming which didn’t seem to make a profit. As the president of the local Farmers Group, Subhadra is promoting climate-resilient and gender-friendly tools and technologies. Her farming land in Dullu-8 Dailekh is a will to her commitment to sustainable farming. She has implemented a range of practices to enhance agricultural productivity. She has embraced drip irrigation, polyhouse tunnels, and insect pheromone traps, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainable farming. By adopting these innovative methods, she has successfully cultivated a variety of seasonal and off-seasonal vegetables, including tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, beans, asparagus, and chillies. She employs bamboo sticks as barriers against insects, utilizing biofertilizers like jholmol and adopting biodegradable mulching made from locally available titepati, and ashura. Through the adoption of these innovative techniques, Subhadra Kumari Upadhyaya has not only increased her agricultural productivity but also empowered her to cover the family expenses, serving as a noteworthy example of how technology adoption can significantly transform and elevate the livelihoods of women farmers in the Dailekh district.
Subhadra explained, “I gained valuable knowledge through the training programs, and thrilled to share it with my fellow farmers.”
Limited market access poses significant challenges for many farmers in the Dailekh district, which leads to substantial loss and exacerbates poverty. Despite facing numerous challenges, farmers in Dailekh province remain optimistic for a better future. Their determination to create a positive in their lives and communities is a beacon of inspiration for us all. As we reflect on their stories, we are reminded of the importance of supporting rural women in their quest for social empowerment, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Let us continue to amplify their voices and support their efforts.
Farmers should not only receive tools and resources but also be empowered to experiment and adapt on their own. To achieve this, local governments, NGOs and other stakeholders must initiate knowledge-sharing, training programs, and awareness programs among farmers.
References
- Ghimire, S., & Poudel Chhetri, B. (2023). Climate Resilient Agriculture: Innovations and Best Practices for Sustainable Farming. Eliva Press.
- Goodrich, C., Mehta, M., & Bisht, S. (2017). Status of gender vulnerabilities and adaptation to climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya: Impact and implications for livelihoods, and sustainable mountain development. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.
- Huyer, S. (2016). Closing the Gender Gap in Agriculture (Vol. 20). Gender, Technology and Development.
- Poudel Chhetri, B., & Ghimire, S. (2023). Gender differentiated impacts of climate change on agriculture in Nepal: A review.
- Tamang, S., Paudel, K. P., & Shrestha, K. K. (2024). Feminization of Agriculture and its Implications for Food Security in Rural Nepal. Journal of Forest and Livelihood.
Author Introduction
Bidhya Poudel Chhetri is an Agriculture graduate from the College of Natural Resource of Management, Dhankuta, Nepal. She is a passionate advocate for climate change, climate- resilient practices. She received the Embrace equity research grant of ICIMOD. Furthermore she worked as a data collector for the “Cities 4 Women; Inclusive and Climate Resilient Urbanisation in Nepal.
The views and opinions expressed in the piece above are solely those of the original author(s) and contributor(s). They do not necessarily represent the views of Governance Monitoring Centre Nepal and/or Centre for Social Change.
