Changes to monsoon rain patterns in South Asia, such as longer dry spells and shorter sudden heavy showers, are driving farmers in Nepal to look to alternatives such as agroforestry.

An article on the My Republica website explains the weather patterns in the region and the country’s dependency on rain-fed agriculture.

Nepal is already considered highly vulnerable to climate change due its complex topography and low level of development. Future unpredictable weather events together with increasing landslides and erosion are likely to have an enormous impact on the production of cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruits in the country.

As well as agriculture and forestry, sectors likely to be affected by climate change include water and energy, health, infrastructure, tourism and industry. Across the country, livelihoods and the economy will suffer.

“Short term, mid-term and long term measures need to be taken” to adapt to the changes, says the article. Some farmers have already adopted agroforestry, fruit growing and vegetable farming, and turned to alternative crop varieties such as short-ripening rice.

The article outlines the need for capacity building at the government and community level, continuous development of new technologies and crop varieties suitable for changing conditions and income diversification in the medium term. In the long term, measures such as reforestation, soil erosion control, soil fertility maintenance and landslide and flood control are needed.

Read the full story: Untimely monsoon