Local Knowledge, Perceptions, and Impacts of Climate Change in Ligligkot, Gorkha, Nepal: The Cultural Ecology Approach

The study explores how the traditional inhabitants of Ligligkot, Gorkha Nepal, think about climate change and explore the Ligligkot people's style of living. Among various methods, mixed-methods research design was preferred to take the required data from 18 research-selected households in collaboration with both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Among various informants, seven key informants, including two women and five men, were interviewed to take personal views on changes in farming practices and climate patterns over time. Focus group discussions (FDGs) were conducted with participants of different criteria, such as age and sex, to take various views. The study also focuses on climate variables such as rising temperature and very high or very low rainfall patterns and their effect on crop productivity. Findings from the survey showed that society has become warmer due to approaching more "closer to the Earth. The study showed changes in plant blooming ratios, like rhododendrons blooming twice a year. Between two genders, male and female, the study reveals impacts of climate change on women that are more significant to the economic and water-related effects due to their tremendous roles in managing household food security. The research also provides some local views on climate change and the related impact of socio-economic aspects, neglecting the adaptation strategies in indigenous rural communities. This research is essential as it searches for traditional information and views on climate change in Ligligkot, Gorkha, Nepal.