Exploring Nexus between food security and the loss of agro-biodiversity: a study in Madhya Nepal, Lamjung

Abstract Nepal has made significant strides in enhancing food security, achieving a moderate hunger index of 15.0 in 2023. However, the relationship between food security and reduced agro-biodiversity remains underexplored. This study investigates this interplay in Madhya Nepal Municipality, Lamjung...

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Main Authors: Binita Shahi, Shudarshan Hamal, Leela Raj Upadhyay
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-01-01
Series:Discover Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-06369-0
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author Binita Shahi
Shudarshan Hamal
Leela Raj Upadhyay
author_facet Binita Shahi
Shudarshan Hamal
Leela Raj Upadhyay
author_sort Binita Shahi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Nepal has made significant strides in enhancing food security, achieving a moderate hunger index of 15.0 in 2023. However, the relationship between food security and reduced agro-biodiversity remains underexplored. This study investigates this interplay in Madhya Nepal Municipality, Lamjung District, Gandaki Province. Using Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI), the study assesses food availability, nutrition sources, and coping mechanisms. The methodology includes field surveys, interviews, and analysis of 30 years of climate data. Ward-wise investigations reveal challenges and opportunities through quantitative and qualitative approaches. Motivated by the complex dynamics affecting food security and agricultural practices amid evolving environmental conditions, this research highlights community struggles and opportunities. It emphasizes the need for a balance between traditional and hybrid agriculture, calling for adaptive strategies to address climate change impacts. Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific innovations is crucial for sustainable food production. Results show higher food stock in some wards due to drought-resistant crops, while others face challenges with traditional farming reliance. Climate data analysis indicates significant temperature increases, affecting rice adaptation and traditional practices. Increased adoption of hybrid crops, supported by irrigation and improved technical knowledge, boosts cereal productivity. The study concludes a positive correlation between agro-biodiversity and food security, highlighting diverse agricultural systems' importance in mitigating climate change challenges.
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spelling doaj-art-e8eb743810a64585873e7debf75c14fe2025-01-26T12:47:37ZengSpringerDiscover Applied Sciences3004-92612025-01-017212110.1007/s42452-024-06369-0Exploring Nexus between food security and the loss of agro-biodiversity: a study in Madhya Nepal, LamjungBinita Shahi0Shudarshan Hamal1Leela Raj Upadhyay2College of Applied Sciences - Nepal, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan UniversityCentral Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan UniversityCollege of Applied Sciences - Nepal, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan UniversityAbstract Nepal has made significant strides in enhancing food security, achieving a moderate hunger index of 15.0 in 2023. However, the relationship between food security and reduced agro-biodiversity remains underexplored. This study investigates this interplay in Madhya Nepal Municipality, Lamjung District, Gandaki Province. Using Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI), the study assesses food availability, nutrition sources, and coping mechanisms. The methodology includes field surveys, interviews, and analysis of 30 years of climate data. Ward-wise investigations reveal challenges and opportunities through quantitative and qualitative approaches. Motivated by the complex dynamics affecting food security and agricultural practices amid evolving environmental conditions, this research highlights community struggles and opportunities. It emphasizes the need for a balance between traditional and hybrid agriculture, calling for adaptive strategies to address climate change impacts. Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific innovations is crucial for sustainable food production. Results show higher food stock in some wards due to drought-resistant crops, while others face challenges with traditional farming reliance. Climate data analysis indicates significant temperature increases, affecting rice adaptation and traditional practices. Increased adoption of hybrid crops, supported by irrigation and improved technical knowledge, boosts cereal productivity. The study concludes a positive correlation between agro-biodiversity and food security, highlighting diverse agricultural systems' importance in mitigating climate change challenges.https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-06369-0Climate changeSustainable agricultureFood consumption scoreReduced coping strategy index
spellingShingle Binita Shahi
Shudarshan Hamal
Leela Raj Upadhyay
Exploring Nexus between food security and the loss of agro-biodiversity: a study in Madhya Nepal, Lamjung
Discover Applied Sciences
Climate change
Sustainable agriculture
Food consumption score
Reduced coping strategy index
title Exploring Nexus between food security and the loss of agro-biodiversity: a study in Madhya Nepal, Lamjung
title_full Exploring Nexus between food security and the loss of agro-biodiversity: a study in Madhya Nepal, Lamjung
title_fullStr Exploring Nexus between food security and the loss of agro-biodiversity: a study in Madhya Nepal, Lamjung
title_full_unstemmed Exploring Nexus between food security and the loss of agro-biodiversity: a study in Madhya Nepal, Lamjung
title_short Exploring Nexus between food security and the loss of agro-biodiversity: a study in Madhya Nepal, Lamjung
title_sort exploring nexus between food security and the loss of agro biodiversity a study in madhya nepal lamjung
topic Climate change
Sustainable agriculture
Food consumption score
Reduced coping strategy index
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-06369-0
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