International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 257-266 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 260 2.4 Data collection Primary data were collected during March to June 2025. A structured questionnaire was developed after a literature review and consultation with local agricultural experts. The questionnaire was pre-tested on 8 households in neighbouring villages to ensure clarity, relevance, and cultural appropriateness. Enumerators fluent in local languages received 3 days of training on survey objectives, ethical considerations, standardized interviewing techniques, and accurate recording of responses. Quality control measures included daily field supervision, random spot-checks of completed questionnaires, and verification of ambiguous responses through follow-up interviews. The questionnaire mainly included Demographics - age, gender, education, occupation, household size, and ethnicity/caste; Agricultural practices - main crops, cropping calendar changes, yield trends, pest and disease incidence, adoption of new crop varieties, and changes in agricultural income; Medicinal and aromatic plant collection - species harvested, changes in availability, causes of scarcity, and contribution to household income; Climate change perception - awareness, observed changes, and perceived impacts on agriculture and livelihoods; Migration - patterns, destinations, reasons for migration, and effects on household income; Adaptation and support - received support, adaptation measures adopted, and unmet support needs. 2.5 Data management and analysis Survey responses were entered and organized in Microsoft Excel. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, and percentages. Qualitative responses were coded and analysed thematically to identify key patterns and insights. Cross-tabulations were used to explore relationships between demographic characteristics and perceptions or adaptation behaviours by using SPSS. 3 Result and Analysis 3.1 Demographic and socio-economic profile Table 2 presents the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of respondents. The majority were male (69.64%) and of Chhetri ethnicity (62.5%), reflecting the social structure of Jumla District. Agriculture was the predominant occupation (69.64%), followed by limited participation in business/Hotel (14.28%) and government service (16.07%). Educational attainment was low: 23.21% of respondents were illiterate, and 42.85% had only primary education, underscoring restricted access to higher education in rural areas. Table 2 Demographic and socio-economic characteristics Variable Categories Percentage (%) Gender Male 69.64 Female 30.36 Education level Illiterate 23.21 Primary/Primary Level 42.85 Secondary 28.57 Higher 5.37 Ethnic/Caste Chhetri 62.5 Brahmin 25 Janjati and others 12.5 Occupation Agriculture 69.64 Business/Hotel 14.28 Gov. Service/Teaching 16.07 3.2 Major crops and agricultural dependence Apple is the primary crop, cultivated by 69.6% of households. Other commonly grown crops include wheat (26.7%), beans (23.21%), and, to a lesser extent, potato (8.9%) and others like walnut and barley (16.07%). The dependence on apple as the main cash crop illustrates both economic specialization and vulnerability to climatic
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