Application of community-based adaptation measures to weather related disasters in Western Nepal

The Andhi Khola on the right hand side of the Putalibazaar Municipality

Summary

The project focuses on two measures that contribute to climate adaptation in communities located in Putalibazaar: 1) a weather and climate information dissemination (WCID) scheme developed to improve communication between the National Meteorological Service of Nepal and the vulnerable communities of Putalibazaar, and 2) a community based insurance (CBI) to share the disaster losses among government, community and insurance agencies.

Methodology

The methods used are technical as well as participatory in nature. The technical part of the methodology involved studies on climate, hydrology, socio-economic condition and insurance schemes using different tools and techniques. GIS was then used to integrate and analyse these data in a spatial context. The participatory approach included consultative meetings with experts and participatory workshops with local communities and key stakeholders.

Adaptation Options

The main aim of this pilot project was to create awareness about the potential climatic signal for increasing Weather and Climate Related Disasters (WCD) events. To achieve this, the pilot project first aimed to develop communication links between the National Meteorological Service and the vulnerable community (Community Based Disaster Preparedness units) to address mitigation and adaptation options for WCD events. Secondly, it aimed  to introduce the concept of community disaster insurance through CBDP as a loss sharing measure for adaptation to climate change.The main outputs for these adaptation options were an increase in awareness, better communication on weather and climate information, and interest of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Nepal to adopt disaster insurance schemes.