Exploring the heart of Jumla through its farming systems

By: Alisha Adhikari

Nestled in the rugged mountain landscape of Karnali province in western Nepal, Tatopani Rural Municipality of Jumla District offers a unique glimpse into the resilience and ingenuity of its farming communities. During my field visit to Tatopani from 18 to 24 June 2024, I gained profound insights into the area’s intricate farming systems and livelihoods as well as the challenges posed by climate and environmental change. The visit was facilitated by ICIMOD and Agriculture and Natural Resources Based Solutions (ANRBSI) Pvt. Ltd., as part of the developing Climate Resilient Agriculture Farming Plan for Tatopani Rural Municipality under the Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) project funded by the Government of Norway and led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The agrarian landscape

Agriculture in Tatopani is not just a means of sustenance; it is the backbone of the local economy and a vital component of the community’s identity. The impressive variety of crops cultivated, most notably rice (also known as paddy), barley, buckwheat, potatoes, maize, millet, walnut, apple, beans and other pulses, reflect the rich agricultural diversity of the area. A key feature of the agricultural landscape is the cultivation of an indigenous cold-tolerant rice variety, certified as Jumli Marshi rice (Oryza sativa var. japonica) by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Farmers in Tatopani practice crop rotation – they plant a series of different crops in the same plot, in order to ensure the soil doesn’t get drained of the same nutrients, and to discourage pests or weeds that prefer one specific crop. Some crops replenish nutrients used up by other crops, and crop rotation will lower the probability of developing resistant pests and weeds. For example, combinations like paddy-beans, paddy- wheat-millet are commonly followed in Jumla. Rotating crops such as legumes (e.g., beans), with cereals (e.g., rice or wheat) helps replenish soil nutrients, especially nitrogen. This reduces the need for fallow periods to restore soil fertility, enabling uninterrupted farming and increasing land use efficiency. By using specific crop rotation patterns, the farmers demonstrate a systematic approach to agriculture. Common mixed cropping patterns include maize-bean, finger millet-bean, wheat-bean, and wheat-barley-maize-apple-bean-cauliflower. This rotational and mixed cropping strategy has helped enhance soil fertility, manage pests, and diversify crop yields, ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity. Many households also engage in livestock rearing, mainly of sheep and goats, which provides additional income and nutritional support. However, adverse weather conditions and climate change impacts have posed significant challenges to agricultural productivity.

Gender disparity exacerbated by climate change

During our field visit to Tatopani Municipality, we had the opportunity to interact with the Budhbudhe Samuha, a farmers’ group with 25 dedicated women members supported by the Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Center (KIRDARC). Through this interaction, we gained valuable insights into the farming patterns and the challenges faced by farmers, and also into gender-based roles and responsibilities.

The group’s members shared how their traditional and innovative farming practices are adapted to the unique climatic conditions of Jumla. They explained the division of labour within their community, highlighting the significant roles and responsibilities of women in agriculture.

Women have a major role in agricultural activities, from sowing to harvesting. In addition to their economic contributions, women manage household chores and childcare, contributing to the overall wellbeing of their families. Men often take on more physically demanding tasks in agriculture and are also involved in wage labour outside the municipality. Men also tend to migrate to India for seasonal work, bringing back remittances. The families use those earnings primarily to buy food and to support their children’s education. Decision-making and financial control remains with the men, resulting in greater economic and social influence of men over women.

“Climate change has exacerbated this disparity by increasing the workload for women, who now face additional responsibilities in managing the household and agricultural tasks affected by changing weather patterns,” explained Sunita Pariyar, a member of Budhbudhe Samuha.

Coping with climate change

Climate change has significantly altered farming patterns in Tatopani Municipality. The reduction in the cold spell necessary for apple cultivation has led to a decline in yields. Additionally, the increasing infestation of pests and diseases like neck blast in rice and woolly aphid in apples has compromised crop health and productivity. The effects of climate change on agriculture have impacted the livelihood of local people in several ways.

The delicate balance between farming and livestock management has been disrupted. Erratic weather patterns and the rising population have led to a scarcity of water and forest resources, which in turn has reduced the availability of fodder for livestock. This decline in fodder production has adversely impacted livestock and the manure supply that is vital for maintaining soil fertility and crop yields. The decrease in both agricultural and livestock productivity has weakened household financial stability, increasing the community’s vulnerability to further climate shocks.

To face these challenges, farmers are adopting various practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture. They have embraced crop rotation and the use of botanical or natural pesticides to manage pest pressures sustainably. This approach not only optimises yields but also reduces costs and reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier environment. Labour migration has also become a common coping strategy for many farmers during the agricultural lean season, providing additional income and reducing economic vulnerability. Meanwhile, the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties, such as Jumli Marshi rice, foxtail millet, and mulching techniques further enhance resilience against climate variability, ensuring more stable yields despite fluctuating weather patterns.

The Climate-Resilient Agriculture Farming Plan

The municipality’s Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) Farming Plan aims to address these challenges through targeted interventions and capacity-building initiatives. The plan was drafted following a series of consultations with diverse stakeholders from the area, and then shared with the implementing partners and UNDP for review. By fostering collaboration among farmers, researchers, and policymakers, the plan seeks to create an environment for participatory action research and innovation for building sustainable and resilient agricultural ecosystems. ANRBSI also developed a CRA Farming Plan for a second municipality, Budhinanda Rural Municipality.

My journey to Tatopani Municipality in Jumla was more than just a field visit; it was an eye-opening experience that deepened my appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of local farming communities. As I reflect on this experience, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the RERAS project, ICIMOD and ANRBSI Pvt. Ltd. for providing me with the opportunity to learn from and contribute to this transformative farming plan. The heart of Jumla beats with the rhythm of its farms, and it is a privilege to witness and support their journey toward a resilient and prosperous future.

Alisha Adhikari was a member of the ANRBSI team and is currently studying for a master’s degree in economics at Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Mentor: Kailash Bhatta, Climate Resilient Agriculture Associate of ICIMOD