Changes in agroforestry practices in response to climate change and associated factors in Mangsebung Rural Municipality, Ilam district, Eastern Nepal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2026.110206Keywords:
Agroforestry, Climate change adaptation, Climate-resilience, Invasive speciesAbstract
Agroforestry is a cornerstone of rural livelihoods in the mid-hills of Nepal, but its patterns are being reshaped by climate change and a set of associated socio-economic and technological factors. This study aimed to document the prevailing agroforestry practices, identify the drivers of change in those practices, and assess the contribution of evolving technologies in Mangsebung Rural Municipality of Ilam district in Nepal. A cross-sectional study was carried out using a structured household questionnaire, supplemented by key informant interviews, focus group discussions and direct field observations. Data was analyzed in Microsoft Excel using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that four major agroforestry practices were identified in the study area including home garden, horticulture-based agroforestry, agri-silviculture, and silvi-pasture. Climate change emerged as the most frequently cited driver of change, followed by market demand, community participation, government policies, and invasive species. Cardamom (under Alnus nepalensis), broom grass (Thysanolaena maxima), kiwi, and coffee have largely replaced traditional subsistence crops such as millet and barley, reflecting a marked transition from subsistence to commercial agroforestry. Major constraints include weather extremes, pest and disease pressure, irrigation scarcity, labor shortage, and weak institutional support. The study concludes that targeted policy support, climate-resilient species, and farmer training are required to sustain agroforestry-based livelihoods in the eastern mid-hills of Nepal.
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