Rethinking Inequality: Connections between Climate Change, Migration, and Food Insecurity in Humla, Nepal
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Category
Social Sciences/Humanities
Abstract/Artist Statement
The Humla District, situated in high-elevation Western Nepal, is acutely affected by climate change. Harsh topography and erratic weather adversely impact subsistence farming, food insecurity, water scarcity, and nutritional outcomes for children and adults. Due to constrained livelihood opportunities, socio-economic inequalities, and compromised food security, some seek work opportunities abroad and remittance income. In 2021, the Nepali team of the Adara Group, an NGO focused on increasing access to education and healthcare in Humla and other low-resource settings, surveyed over 800 households across the district to specify characteristics that can address food insecurity, climate stress and increase access to maternal care and education.
The current project uses a mixed-methods approach to examine the relationship between food insecurity, climate change, and migration in Humla. Quantitative methods are currently employed in a secondary data analysis of Adara’s household survey using R studio software. Resulting descriptive and inferential statistics will establish the severity of food insecurity in the region. A literature review examines available innovations and projects in South Asia to support food systems resilience. A food insecurity intervention will be developed, modified, and piloted in Humla alongside measurement of the extent to which community members embrace the approach. Qualitative methods, including focus groups and semi-structured one-on-one interviews, will reveal how feasible, doable, appropriate, and scalable the food insecurity intervention is. The current research project presents a new approach to addressing food insecurity by implementing precision public health methods that tailor interventions to the household level. Additionally, the outcomes from the research will add to the existing global health research literature by identifying risk factors for adverse health outcomes of out-migration and factors for strengthening food systems and climate resilience at the community and household level in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region.
Mentor Name
Kimber McKay
Rethinking Inequality: Connections between Climate Change, Migration, and Food Insecurity in Humla, Nepal
UC North Ballroom
The Humla District, situated in high-elevation Western Nepal, is acutely affected by climate change. Harsh topography and erratic weather adversely impact subsistence farming, food insecurity, water scarcity, and nutritional outcomes for children and adults. Due to constrained livelihood opportunities, socio-economic inequalities, and compromised food security, some seek work opportunities abroad and remittance income. In 2021, the Nepali team of the Adara Group, an NGO focused on increasing access to education and healthcare in Humla and other low-resource settings, surveyed over 800 households across the district to specify characteristics that can address food insecurity, climate stress and increase access to maternal care and education.
The current project uses a mixed-methods approach to examine the relationship between food insecurity, climate change, and migration in Humla. Quantitative methods are currently employed in a secondary data analysis of Adara’s household survey using R studio software. Resulting descriptive and inferential statistics will establish the severity of food insecurity in the region. A literature review examines available innovations and projects in South Asia to support food systems resilience. A food insecurity intervention will be developed, modified, and piloted in Humla alongside measurement of the extent to which community members embrace the approach. Qualitative methods, including focus groups and semi-structured one-on-one interviews, will reveal how feasible, doable, appropriate, and scalable the food insecurity intervention is. The current research project presents a new approach to addressing food insecurity by implementing precision public health methods that tailor interventions to the household level. Additionally, the outcomes from the research will add to the existing global health research literature by identifying risk factors for adverse health outcomes of out-migration and factors for strengthening food systems and climate resilience at the community and household level in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region.