Water woes: understanding climate change adaptations through small family farms’ perceptions and responses to water shortages in India and Nepal

Abstract

Climate change is impacting agricultural practices across the globe and water crisis emerges as one of the key concerns, especially for the small farm holders. Oftentimes, they do not have the capacity to overcome the water shortages induced by these ever-increasing calamities. This chapter explores the experiences and perceptions of the small family farms in dealing with the emerging water crisis that looms large over their farming futures. The question on how small-scale farmers perceive and adapt to water shortages is addressed through comparative case studies conducted during May to July of 2021 in Rajasthan, India, and Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The findings show that farmers face variable levels of water uncertainties that further determine how they perceive, address, and adapt to climate change. Notably, Nepalese small family farms demonstrate superior access to institutional support and incentives compared to their Indian counterparts. It highlights a potential model for effective climate adaptation strategies that can safeguard small family farms against the looming threat of water scarcity. While contributing to the advancing understanding of climate change, emphasis should be on the need for cross country learning and sharing of good practices that could prevent the impending demise of small family farms.