Perceived community-based flood adaptation strategies under climate change in Nepal

Abstract

Climate induced natural disasters and extreme events are escalating with the increased variability of climatic parameters due to climate change. This study assesses the flood adaptation strategies that are applicable at the community level in two Terai districts of Nepal. The data were collected through three focus group discussions and 210 household surveys. The study revealed that flood forecasting practices at community level included monitoring the extent of rainfall in upper catchments and identifying the position of clouds. ‘Initiate communication’, ‘take care the affected people’, and ‘select the appropriate location to stay’ were most preferred strategies during the flood. Similarly, ‘exchanging helps with each other’, ‘preparing temporary settlement plan’ and ‘co-ordinating with government and other agencies’ are most preferred post-flood adaptation strategies. Identification and assessment of locally-relevant flood adaptation strategies will help governments to choose adaptation strategies that are both effective and preferred by local people in vulnerable communities.