Impacts of climate change on land, resources and livelihoods in North Nandi forest

Some of the observations and experiences of the impacts of climate change on land, resources or livelihoods in North Nandi forest.

North Nandi forest area (000, 00’S, 350 00’E) which is my study area in recent times has experienced seasonal variation due to climate change and this has alternatively affected the livelihoods of Nandi community where the majority practice agriculture which is season dependent. This situation makes it hard for farmers to make predictions on the right time to farm. Due to this the locals have been forced to violate their traditions and taboos and adapt to new strategies like aquaculture, apiculture (previously Nandi community had a tradition of not eating fish).

Another observation is that water levels at the major rivers have dramatically reduced thus forcing women and children to walk extra miles in search of this precious resource for domestic use and for cattle. Children have been forced to drop out of school to take up this new chore.

Due to climate change there have been reduced rainfall, unexpected drought seasons and hence minimal harvest and this leads the locals to turn to the forest for possible resources. This alternatively leads to forest degradation and massive loss of biodiversity.