Climate and Development Knowledge Network

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	Priority country

Nepal

Nepal is severely vulnerable to climate change and its vulnerability is set to increase between 2010 and 2030 (DARA; Climate Vulnerability Monitor, 2012). It is a predominantly rural society: 70% of the 27 million population rely on the agricultural sector as their primary source of income with recent temperature rises and reduction in winter rainfall affecting productivity. Its unique ecosystems, including the Himalayas, and its weak adaptive capacity, make it particularly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters.

There has been some progress in mainstreaming climate change within development planning and policies but capacity and resource gaps has limited progress. CDKN aims to strengthen this process through the design and delivery of climate compatible plans and policies in key sectors such as agriculture, water and energy.

Key Publications

INSIDE STORY: Climate-smart agriculture – Learning from three agro-ecological regions of Nepal

REPORT: Economic impact assessment of climate change for key sectors in Nepal

POLICY BRIEF: Climate-smart agriculture in Nepal

POLICY BRIEF: Framework for effectiveness and resilience of small and medium-scale irrigation systems in Nepal

POLICY BRIEF: Adaptation to climate change in the hydroelectricity sector in Nepal

Progress and Impact

CDKN’s current programme in Nepal evolved as a result of its study on the "Economic Impact Assessment of Climate Change in Nepal", launched in April 2014. The study provided a comprehensive profile of current and future risks as well as future investment needed for three sectors: agriculture, hydro-electricity and water. Based on these findings, CDKN supported three follow-up technical assistance projects: (i) Adaptation to Climate Change in the Hydroelectricity Sector, supported by the Ministry of Energy, identifying areas where adaptation actions can be taken; (ii) Climate Smart Agriculture in Nepal, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at introducing climate smart agricultural practices to provide direct benefit to the farmers by introducing them to resilient livelihood sources; and (iii) Framework for Increasing the Resilience and Effectiveness of Small and Medium Scale Irrigation Systems in Nepal, supported by the Ministry of Irrigation for increasing the resilience of small and medium scale irrigation systems in the country. CDKN is now working closely with Nepal’s Ministry of Finance to support key government and non-governmental stakeholders in enhancing their understanding and capabilities for accessing and utilising climate finance. In particular, the initiative will work on capability development of potential National Implementing Entities (NIEs) to enhance their understanding of direct access to climate finance.