Identifying operational mechanisms for mainstreaming community-based adaptation in Nepal

This is an Open Access article. Non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly attributed, cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way, is permitted. The moral rights of the named author(s) have been asserted.Mainstreaming is a feasible and viable option for scaling up initiatives on community-based adaptation (CBA) to climate change. However, there is little evidence on how to get CBA mainstreaming feasible and to work effectively. This paper aims to investigate two major questions: (1) what kind of policies favour mainstreaming CBA; and (2) what kinds of approaches or practices are required to operationalize CBA mainstreaming in the case of Nepal? The field research for this paper was conducted in the Dhading, Nawalparasi and Pyuthan districts of Nepal. The research used a mix of approaches and methods for data generation and analysis. The findings reveal that policies to operationalize CBA mainstreaming should build on past policy successes and include community-centric provisions that empower local institutions and encourage them to practice inclusive decision-making and benefit-sharing mechanisms. One lesson from this analysis of the practices of mainstreaming in Nepal is that an integrated co-management approach to mainstreaming is necessary to overcome the barriers related to knowledge, finance and technology. It is concluded that the operational mechanisms of mainstreaming CBA in development should have an inclusive local structure and be responsive to national policies and governance arrangements

Assistance in synthesis and documentation of health, environment and development outcomes in urban eco-health project, Katmandu : report

The National Zoonoses and Food Hygiene Centre (NZFHRC) in Kathmandu implemented an Urban Ecosystem and Health Project that influenced policies resulting specifically in a new Animal Slaughtering and Meat Inspection Act, modification of the Nepal Food Act, modification of the Garbage Disposal Act, revisions to the Kathmandu Valley Housing Plan, and revisions to the Nepal Drinking Water and Sewerage Plan. This workshop assisted researchers in mapping project outcomes, preparing project reports, technical reports and documents for dissemination. Community-led actions as a result of the project included waste management, drainage systems and slaughterhouses improvement; hygiene promotion, protection of water sources; and protection of public spaces

Exploring the policy environment for mainstreaming community-based adaptation (CBA) in Nepal

Published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJCCSM-04-2014-0050Purpose- Scaling up community-based adaptation (CBA) needs strong policy support. This paper aims to shed light onto the policy context of mainstreaming CBA in Nepal. Design/methodology/approach- The content and processes of Nepal’s development policies and climate change policies and programmes were examined. The policy analysis was supported by a literature review, review of policy documents, and interviews and discussions undertaken with policy makers, practitioners and communities. Findings- The findings show that despite a lack of clear focus on climate change, the decentralization provisions and bottom-up practices within Nepal’s development policies and plans could be entry points for mainstreaming CBA. However, experience shows that decentralization alone is insufficient because it benefits only a few institutions and individuals, while marginalizing the real beneficiaries. One of the policy conditions to mainstreaming CBA in development is to ensure that there are specific provisions for decentralization and inclusive devolution that can provide power and authority to local institutions and communities to make independent decisions and benefit the needy. There should also be mandatory legal provisions, endorsed by a country’s government, for an inclusive, citizen-centric, participatory, and bottom-up policy making process that involves the most vulnerable households and communities. Originality/value- This paper is of relevance to policy makers and practitioners in Nepal seeking to make informed policy decisions on effectively mainstreaming CBA into development. The analysis provided of the synergy and tradeoffs within existing policy provisions and processes can be used to guide the government and stakeholders in Nepal and other Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in creating favorable national and local-level policies and action plans

Strategies to resolve problems of the Leasehold Forestry Program

Meeting: Celebrating Dialogue : An International SAS2 Forum, November 3, 2008, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, CASAS reports are made available in order to provide timely access to the information by interested researchers. This report has been subject to an internal review process to ensure accuracy and quality

Determinants of agriculture biodiversity in Western Terai landscape complex of Nepal

The study explored agriculture biodiversity around protected areas and identified factors affecting diversity of agriculture biodiversity in farming households. The study analyzed the data collected from household survey of about 907 farmers from Western-Terai Landscape Complex of Nepal. Intra-species and inter-species richness and evenness in agriculture landscape were estimated and compared across a spectrum of land-uses. The study identified different social, economic, technological and ecological factors affecting the richness of intra-species and inter-species diversity of agriculture biodiversity using generalized linear regression models. Technology index, information index, food security, animal holding, ethnicity, irrigation facility and land-use were found as major variables affecting agriculture. The results also indicated that buffer zones had higher diversity than other land-uses, indicating positive effects of protected-land on surrounding agriculture biodiversity. Results supported need of coordinated efforts to mainstream agriculture biodiversity conservation with landscape conservation plans and socio-economic developments of the region

Determinants of agriculture biodiversity in Western Terai landscape complex of Nepal

The study explored agriculture biodiversity around protected areas and identified factors affecting diversity of agriculture biodiversity in farming households. The study analyzed the data collected from household survey of about 907 farmers from Western-Terai Landscape Complex of Nepal. Intra-species and inter-species richness and evenness in agriculture landscape were estimated and compared across a spectrum of land-uses. The study identified different social, economic, technological and ecological factors affecting the richness of intra-species and inter-species diversity of agriculture biodiversity using generalized linear regression models. Technology index, information index, food security, animal holding, ethnicity, irrigation facility and land-use were found as major variables affecting agriculture. The results also indicated that buffer zones had higher diversity than other land-uses, indicating positive effects of protected-land on surrounding agriculture biodiversity. Results supported need of coordinated efforts to mainstream agriculture biodiversity conservation with landscape conservation plans and socio-economic developments of the region

Effectiveness of the Local Adaptation Plan of Action to support climate change adaptation in Nepal

A key challenge in climate change adaptation in developing countries as a whole, and to handling global change in particular, is to link local adaptation needs on the one hand, with national adaptation initiatives on the other, so that vulnerable households and communities can directly benefit. This study assesses the impact of the Nepal government’s efforts to promote its Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) and its applicability to other least developed countries (LDCs). Based on data gathered from two field studies in Nepal, the research shows that the Nepal’s LAPA has succeeded in mobilizing local institutions and community groups in adaptation planning and recognizing their role in adaptation. However, the LAPA approach and implementation have been constrained by sociostructural and governance barriers that have failed to successfully integrate local adaptation needs in local planning and increase the adaptive capacity of vulnerable households. This paper describes the mechanisms of suitable governance strategies for climate change adaptation specific to Nepal and other LDCs. It also argues the need to adopt an adaptive comanagement approach, where the government and all stakeholders identify common local- and national-level mainstreaming strategy for knowledge management, resource mobilization, and institutional development, ultimately using adaptation as a tool to handle global change

Assistance in synthesis and documentation of health, environment and development outcomes in urban ecohealth project, Katmandu : a brief workshop report

The workshop helped document the outcomes of a project which successfully influenced different policies in Nepal, and city programs of Kathmandu, resulting in a new Animal Slaughtering and Meat Inspection Act, modification of the Nepal Food Act, modification of the Garbage Disposal Act, revisions to the Kathmandu Valley Housing Plan, and revisions to the Nepal Drinking Water and Sewerage Plan. Local projects were implemented to facilitate the application of new regulations and practices; community-led actions included proper management of household and commercial waste, improvement of drainage systems and slaughterhouses; hygiene promotion, protection of water sources; and preservation and protection of public spaces

Sustaining ecosystem based adaptation: the lessons from policy and practices in Nepal

The ecosystem based adaption (EbA) approach mobilizes ecosystem products and services to reduce people’s vulnerability and improve adaptation to climate change. The approach is being tested and promoted globally including Nepal. However, there are limited studies on why EbA faces challenges of mainstreaming and wider upscaling in developing countries' policies and practices. Based on an empirical case study from the first EbA pilot project site in Nepal 'Panchase Mountain Ecological Region', expert consultation, and in-depth policy analysis, this study examines the effectiveness of interventions implemented through EbA and explores 'Why' questions related to mainstreaming and upscaling of EbA in Nepal. The results showed that EbA helps to reduce climate vulnerability and enhance socio-ecosystem resilience. However, it often lacks innovativeness in addressing the risk and vulnerability associated with the changing climate. Though EbA is spelled out in most of Nepal’s climate change policies, it faces sustainability issues due to low priority, lack of a proper institutional mechanism, and inadequate budget provisions. The EbA related activities are implemented on a small scale, runs for a short period, and failed to demonstrate tangible impacts. The sustainability of the EbA practices in Nepal will be ensured, only if it is mainstreamed in the government's regular planning process, receives enough budget from the government, and has robust institutional mechanisms in place for implementing and monitoring EbA activities. The study's findings are expected to be useful for policymakers, practitioners, and development agencies to shape interventions to institutionalize the EbA approach in the developing countries