A new research study has uncovered critical insights into the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers across South Asia, revealing complex factors that determine their ability to withstand increasing climate change challenges. The study, published in the Journal of Geographical Sciences, provides a nuanced understanding of the barriers and opportunities facing agricultural communities in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
Researchers from multiple institutions conducted an extensive investigation involving 633 farming households, analyzing the adaptive capacity through comprehensive surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The findings expose significant variations in how farmers in different countries respond to climate change, while also highlighting common systemic challenges that impede effective adaptation.
The research identified eight principal factors influencing farmers' resilience, with each country demonstrating unique characteristics. In Nepal, farm adaptive capacity strongly correlated with landholding size, participation in skill development training, and social networks. Indian farmers' resilience was most influenced by crop insurance access, agricultural information availability, and planting schedule flexibility. Bangladeshi farmers showed greater adaptability when they had connections to financial institutions and reliable community support.
Despite regional differences, the study revealed consistent barriers across all three countries, including limited access to timely weather information, inadequate infrastructure, and low participation in agricultural training programs. Approximately 90% of farmers in Bangladesh and Nepal reported experiencing negative climate impacts, yet few possessed the necessary resources to respond effectively.
A particularly significant finding was the role of income diversification and international remittances in building farmer resilience. Households with multiple income streams or receiving financial support from abroad demonstrated greater capacity to manage climate-related stresses, underscoring the importance of economic flexibility.
The research has profound implications for policymakers, suggesting targeted interventions are crucial for supporting agricultural communities. Recommended strategies include improving financial service access, enhancing infrastructure, providing accurate weather forecasting, expanding agricultural extension services, and supporting rural development programs that enable income diversification.
Prof. Prem Sagar Chapagain, a lead researcher, emphasized that adaptation extends beyond technical knowledge, requiring comprehensive support systems that enable farmers to make informed decisions. The study provides a critical framework for developing national and regional policies aimed at strengthening agricultural resilience in one of the world's most climate-vulnerable regions.
