Great hopes for climate-smart farming: the story of Ashmita Thapa
An FAO climate-smart agriculture project is helping families in Nepal, like Ashmita’s, to improve their yields and livelihoods, giving them alternatives to migrating abroad.
© Chris Steele-Perkins / Magnum Photos for FAO
Last year, Ashmita Thapa’s husband left their hometown in southern Nepal to find work in Saudi Arabia. He had been working as a farmer and used to be able to grow enough food for the family.
But now, Ashmita explains, the yields are poorer and poorer. “This is a part of climate change,” she adds. “There isn’t as much rain as before; winds are stronger and pest infections are on the rise.”
Her husband’s move, however, did not improve their situation. He was unable to find a good job and repay the debts they incurred for his trip. “We were facing lots of problems,” confesses Ashmita. “Last year we were told about an FAO project. We felt happy that it could be a solution to our problems,” she continues.
Taking part in the FAO-supported project, Ashmita and some 3,000 farmers learned to grow crops that are better adapted to the impacts of climate change. Farmers test different varieties of crops and use tailored techniques to determine the best crops to grow for their land.
They also received support to raise animals by understanding what and when to feed their livestock. This is part of the climate-smart and sustainable agriculture approach that helps transform agriculture into resilient systems that effectively support development and ensure food security in the face of a changing climate.