International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 257-266 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 259 climate uncertainties. By understanding these dynamics, this study seeks to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of climate adaptation in Nepal's unique context and to guide effective strategies moving forward. 2 Materials and Methods 2.1 Study area The study was conducted in Jumla District, located in the mountainous Karnali Province of western Nepal (29.2745° N, 82.1836° E). Jumla spans an elevation range of 1,600 to 6,100 meters above sea level, encompassing steep slopes, river valleys, and high-altitude plateaus. The district experiences a cold temperate to alpine climate, with mean annual temperatures ranging from 5 °C to 15 °C, and annual precipitation averaging 1,200 mm, predominantly during the monsoon season (June-September). Winters are long and harsh, often accompanied by snowfall at higher elevations. Jumla’s economy is predominantly agrarian, with households relying on rain-fed subsistence agriculture, highland cash crops, and the collection of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) for income. The district is particularly known for its apple orchards, alongside staple crops such as wheat, barley, beans, and potatoes. The combination of high-altitude, ecological fragility, and dependence on climate-sensitive agriculture makes Jumla highly vulnerable to climate variability and change. A map of Nepal District showing Jumla districts with local level is provided in Figure 1. Figure 1 Map of study area 2.2 Study design A cross-sectional, community-based survey design was employed to assess local perceptions of climate change, its impacts on agriculture and livelihoods, adaptation strategies, and support needs among rural households. A mixed-methods approach integrating quantitative and qualitative data was adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of both measurable patterns and local experiences. 2.3 Sampling and participants A purposive sampling method was used to select households based on their active involvement in agriculture or related activities, ensuring the inclusion of respondents with direct experience of climate impacts. Purposive sampling was chosen because it allows researchers to focus on informants with relevant knowledge of local farming systems, apple cultivation, and medicinal plant collection, which is critical for assessing adaptive practices. A total of 56 households were selected from multiple wards and villages to reflect diversity in gender, age, education, ethnicity/caste, and occupation. The sample size was determined based on practical constraints, including accessibility in remote high-altitude areas, time, and logistical resources, while ensuring representation across key demographic and agro-ecological zones.
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