International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 257-266 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 258 (World Bank, 2023). These losses not only mean less production but also jeopardize the resilience of rural households. Changes in climate patterns throughout Nepal further reinforce these concerns. Over the last few decades, the country has experienced rising average temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events like floods, droughts, hailstorms, and unexpected snowfall (Shrestha et al., 2012; Dahal et al., 2021). These shifts are not just numbers in reports; farmers on the ground are witnessing and reporting these changes, as their livelihoods are closely intertwined with natural cycles (Paudel et al., 2014). In Jumla, for example, farmers frequently cite erratic rainfall, decreasing snowfall, delayed monsoon arrivals, and the emergence of new pests and diseases. The local apple industry, crucial for the district's economy, faces significant hurdles due to unpredictable frosts and insufficient chilling hours necessary for apple flowering and fruit setting. Similarly, staple crops like wheat, beans, and potatoes are more vulnerable than ever to shortened growing seasons and inconsistent water availability (Gentle and Thwaites, 2016). These challenges to agricultural production extend beyond the fields, affecting household food security, income, and overall community health. Climate change in Nepal transcends environmental issues; it has significant socio-economic ramifications that disproportionately impact marginalised groups, including women and families lacking access to resources and climate information (Gentle and Maraseni, 2012; Aryal et al., 2014). Mountain communities have traditionally relied on indigenous knowledge and adaptive strategies—such as diversifying crops, shifting planting dates, and preserving seeds—to cope with weather variability. However, the pace and unpredictability of contemporary climate shifts are pushing these strategies to their limits (Gentle and Thwaites, 2016). Farmers are increasingly finding it necessary to adopt new crop varieties, experiment with protective cultivation techniques like polyhouses, adjust their planting and harvesting schedules, and diversify their income through wage labour or migration (Paudel et al., 2014). One prominent response to these challenges is migration, which has become an important adaptation strategy in many rural areas of Nepal, including Jumla. Seasonal and permanent out-migration, especially among youth and skilled workers, has become common as families seek to mitigate climate-related risks and explore new income opportunities (Maharjan et al., 2013). Although remittances can provide crucial financial support for families facing climate shocks, the long-term sustainability of agriculture comes into question with the loss of human capital, labour shortages, and a decline in the intergenerational transmission of farming knowledge (Gentle and Thwaites, 2016). Thus, while migration offers a way to cope with immediate challenges, it also raises concerns about the future of agriculture and the preservation of traditional practices in Nepal (Table 1). Table 1 Climate trends in the Himalayan region, Nepal (2020-2024) Year Temperature trend (°C) Precipitation trend (%) 2020 +0.05 +2.3 2021 +0.07 +3.1 2022 +0.06 +2.8 2023 +0.08 +3.5 2024 +0.09 +3.9 Note: Department of hydrology and meteorology This study aims to analyze the current climate adaptation strategies employed by rural communities in Nepal, particularly in the context of changing climatic conditions and their socio-economic implications. The objectives include: To assess the vulnerabilities faced by agricultural sectors in Nepal due to climate change and how these are exacerbated by socio-economic factors, To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional coping strategies and their adaptation in the face of contemporary climate challenges, To identify and explore innovative adaptation strategies introduced in recent years based on both local knowledge and scientific advancements, To inform policy recommendations that support sustainable agricultural practices and enhance community resilience amid rising
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