A thesissubmitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of ScienceinNatural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2010

This study analyzed the trends of observed climatic parameters (temperature and precipitation) over last 3 decades (1977-2008), explored the role of livelihood assets on households{u2018} vulnerability to climate variability, i.e., extreme weather events, and documented adaptation measures adopted by local communities in 2 sites (one flood affected low land and another drought affected high land) in Kailali district in Far-western region of Nepal. The observed temperature and rainfall data of last 3 decades show increasing trends in temperature and heavy rainfall events in the district. The temperature increase is in par with the observed temperature trends in Nepal. The district has experienced increasing floods in low lands and drought in highlands (Siwalik hills) in the recent years. The analysis of adaptive capacity of the communities shows that the status of possession of livelihood assets is better in low land than in Siwalik hills; annual income and distance from river are identified as key factors that influence vulnerability of households in both area. In addition, trainings and food insufficiency are identified as other factors in low lands, while prior exposure to extreme climatic events, irrigation facility, and number of damages incurred by households in Siwalik hills. Both communities have adopted various planned and autonomous adaptation measures in response to floods and drought. It is inferred that increases in such extreme weather events have increased the vulnerability of agriculture based livelihoods in Kailali, and in Nepal in general and therefore adoption of adaptation measures becomes inevitable but ability to adopt them depends on livelihood assets and strategies of households in a given region.