Examining climate change adaptation policies in Nepal: a qualitative content analysis through the Dalit lens

Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) policies are crucial for addressing disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities. This research critically examines Nepal’s CCA policies from the perspective of Dalits, a historically marginalized group facing caste-based socio-economic disparities. A directed qualitative content analysis of six key policy documents, using the Climate Policy Paradigm (CPP) framework, reveals that Dalits remain largely invisible in policy framing, goals, sectoral coverage, and implementation mechanisms. Vague and inconsistent policy language obscures Dalits’ unique adaptation needs, including landlessness, water insecurity, and occupational vulnerability. Although policies acknowledge social vulnerability, Dalit concerns are either absent or addressed through indirect and inconsistent references, demonstrating weak policy commitments. These gaps reflect underlying power dynamics and the dominance of non-Dalit elites in policy processes, perpetuating caste-based exclusion. The existing policy instruments—covering access to information and knowledge, decision-making authority, financial provisions, and organizational setting—fail to ensure inclusivity and equitable access for Dalits. We recommend policy reforms through more inclusive and targeted policy approaches. Affirmative action, such as mandatory Dalit consultations and a veto mechanism for policies affecting Dalit adaptation, is essential. Setting Dalit-specific goals, mandating representation in decision-making bodies, and providing appropriate instruments to achieve these goals are crucial. We recommend further research on Dalit inclusion in policy formulation process, the impacts of CCA policies on Dalit lives, and caste sensitivity in financial mechanisms. Addressing these policy gaps is crucial for Nepal to fulfil its commitments under the Paris Agreement (Article 7) and SDGs (10 and 13) and to advance climate justice for marginalized communities in South Asia. Dalits, a critically marginalized caste group, remain largely invisible in Nepal’s CCA policies due to vague and inconsistent language. Policies must explicitly recognize Dalits as a vulnerable group and include direct references such as ‘Dalit’ or ‘caste-discriminated’ to ensure visibility.Most CCA policies overlook Dalits’ unique adaptation needs, including land rights, water access, food security, disaster-resilient housing, and occupational safeguarding.Effective CCA policies must mandate Dalit representation with veto power over provisions affecting their adaptation needs. Legally binding Dalit quotas, targeted funding, and Dalit-inclusive implementation and monitoring mechanisms will improve policy outcomes, contributing to global policy goals (Paris Agreement, SDGs). Dalits, a critically marginalized caste group, remain largely invisible in Nepal’s CCA policies due to vague and inconsistent language. Policies must explicitly recognize Dalits as a vulnerable group and include direct references such as ‘Dalit’ or ‘caste-discriminated’ to ensure visibility. Most CCA policies overlook Dalits’ unique adaptation needs, including land rights, water access, food security, disaster-resilient housing, and occupational safeguarding. Effective CCA policies must mandate Dalit representation with veto power over provisions affecting their adaptation needs. Legally binding Dalit quotas, targeted funding, and Dalit-inclusive implementation and monitoring mechanisms will improve policy outcomes, contributing to global policy goals (Paris Agreement, SDGs).