Gendered perceptions of climate variability, food insecurity, and adaptation practices in Nepal

Abstract

This paper examines the gendered perceptions of climatic variability, its impacts on agriculture and food security, and adaptation practices in the Far-Western Terai region of Nepal. Building upon the trends of key climate parameters using secondary data, the climate impacts on agriculture, food security and adaptation practices were assessed from a household survey of 95 households in Kailali district. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews provided further insights on the impacts and adaptations. Results showed that, compared to men, women have a higher risk perception of climate variability and associated impacts on food security. In terms of adaptation practices, women usually adopted short-term coping mechanisms whereas men adopted long-term options. Such differences at household level highlight variable gender concerns and differentiated roles regarding adaptation and coping. Hence, this study call for the integration of coordinated multilevel system approach at various scales (national, provincial, local, community and household levels) to minimize the impacts of climate risks on agriculture, livelihood and food security. More specifically, the study highlights the need to consider the gender dimensions of food security in adaptation planning processes for both government and non-governmental actors from local to national levels.