Effectiveness of ecosystem based flood adaptation strategies in indigenous community of lower Karnali region, Nepal

Flood is a natural hazard that particularly affecting the Terai region of Nepal, Rajapur Municipality is significantly affected by flood yearly. This research explores the effectiveness of ecosystem-based flood adaptation strategies in the Indigenous community of Rajapur municipality of Bardiya district. The research focuses on five flood prone wards (1, 3, 4, 7, and 10) of Rajapur Municipality adjoining Karnali river and its branches. Mixed-method approach: a household survey (n=190), focus group discussion, and key informant interview (n=7) was used for the study. It has explored the major ecosystem-based adaptation strategies employed by indigenous people in Rajapur, finds out their effectiveness, and the role of women in EbA by using regression analysis. Ecosystem-based adaptation, like afforestation (plantation of trees like Bombyx ceiba(simal), Bambusa vulgaris(bamboo), Melia azedarach (Bakaino), Tectona grandis, Dalbergia sissoo(sisam), Syzygium cumini(Jamun), Eucalyptus(sagun)etc. near agricultural fields, near irrigation canals, and banks of rivers, involves the construction of biodykes made up of (tree branches and wood, sacks filled with small stones, soil) and placed on the bank of rivers to build a wall-like structure were documented. Indigenous practice to protect seed for next year by keeping them in elevated houses, branches of trees, and a pot made up of mud and straw called “Dhehrai” (it is used for the protection of food grains and seeds from flood as well as pests) were also recorded. Tree plantation has shown effectiveness in improving soil health/quality, reducing soil erosion, and reducing flood impact due to their extensive root system and canopy cover. Effectiveness of walls made of branches of trees (biodykes), which help to reduce the risk of bank cutting, and its cost-effectiveness and features like easier to make, and can be built by farmers were also recorded. Women take part in many activities like afforestation, sustainable agricultural practices various training of EbA, implementing EbA activities in their community and play an important role.