ID: 1626
Presenting Author: Arati Poudel
Session: 572 - Fit For Future and Act at Present: Impact Assessment for Leveraging Challenges and Opportunities from Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Status: approve
The study critically reviews how Nepal’s climate adaptation policies balance local and donor priorities, emphasizing the overlooked role of social capital and local institutions in fostering inclusive
Nepal is increasingly exposed to water-related climate extremes, particularly floods and droughts, which threaten livelihoods, ecosystems, and socio-economic stability. Adaptation to climate change has become a central priority in both international and national policy, aiming to strengthen the resilience of communities against the accelerating impacts of human-induced climate change. While Nepal is praised as a pioneer in mainstreaming community-centric adaptation frameworks, research and evidence reveal persistent challenges in implementing genuine bottom-up practices. To explore whose priorities shape adaptation planning in Nepal, and how community voices and local knowledge are reflected in policies and programs, this systematic review critically examines the interplay among local communities, national institutions, and international actors, emphasizing the roles of social capital and collective action. Drawing on ‘Governing the Commons’ theory and social capital frameworks, the study highlights the crucial contributions of local institutions such as water user groups, women groups, and community forestry groups in managing resources and strengthening resilience. Evidence shows that social capital: bonding, bridging, and linking is key to enabling cooperation, knowledge sharing, and collective decision-making, yet it is often overlooked in donor-driven, technocratic interventions. By realigning local voices, harnessing social capital, and strengthening local institutions, Nepal can move toward transformational adaptation that is context-sensitive and fit for the future.
Arati Poudel is a PhD student in Geography and Resource Management at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her research focus is on climate change adaptation to floods and droughts in Nepal.
Coauthor 1: Yuan Xu