People’s perception of climate change impacts and their adaptation practices in Khotokha valley, Wangdue, Bhutan

Abstract

Climate change is expected to have serious environmental, economic, and social impacts in mountainous regions worldwide. Rural communities that depend on farming, livestock rearing and natural resources for their livelihoods are likely to be affected by its adverse impacts. This study was carried out to understand one community's perceptions and experiences of climate change and to assess the people's use of forest resources and possible implications for climate change adaptation. The study was conducted through semi-structured questionnaires. The entire population of 67 households was surveyed for the study. The household data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency and inferential statistical tests, namely, parametric t-test and chi- square. The study revealed that a majority of people in the community (79 %) were aware of climate change. Over ninety per cent of the local people depend mainly on cultivation of potato and rearing livestock for their livelihood. The results indicated that climate change and variability have affected the lives of the local people who have developed adaptation strategies in their own way to cope with it. Local people cited impacts including reduced precipitation and an irregular rainfall pattern, which affects potato cultivation and winter fodder production. Production has also been affected by an increased in insect pests. Additionally, new invasive/weed species are reported to be colonizing the pasture land, preventing the regeneration of preferred grass species for grazing. Use of forest products such as fuel wood, flag post, fencing post and litter in particular, have decreased because of available alternatives. Over eighty per cent of those interviewed the need of government support.