Agriculture and Climate Change in Nepal: GHG Emissions, Mitigation, Indications of Climate Change, Impact on Agriculture, Adaptation, and Co-benefits

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to develop a holistic understanding on climate change (CC) in relation to the agriculture sector in Nepal. The Chapter conducts a descriptive analysis of secondary data on the trend of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate variables; in addition to a literature review on CC mitigation, adaptation and co-benefits. Nepal’s contribution to the global GHG emissions is nominal. CH4 and N2O are the GHGs mainly associated with agriculture. Agriculture and forest have a significant bearing in Nepal’s GHG emissions. Hence, any policy consideration to reduce the emissions from these two sectors can contribute significantly in CC mitigation. Moreover, agriculture has a high GHG mitigation potential with strong adaptation and sustainable development co-benefits especially in developing countries like Nepal. The clear indications of CC have shown serious adverse impact on Nepali agriculture. Therefore, adaptation is highly prioritized in agriculture. GHG mitigation has not received a policy priority until recently. The CC policy-2019 is a step ahead in defining the mitigation, and putting forward the clear strategies and working policies for it. Similarly, the international efforts towards resilient agriculture and the Paris Agreement have facilitated quick global take-up of climate smart agriculture (CSA) for mobilizing actions on CC adaptation and mitigation in agriculture. This is important for realizing the co-benefits leading towards resilient agriculture system. Piloting, screening and replicating CSA along with the policy integration from local to national levels, building institutions and improving their capacity are the important initiatives directed towards mainstreaming CC into the agriculture sector in Nepal.