. Despite an existing information gap in scientific evidence regarding the effects of
future changes in climate patterns and options for the future, the community-based
adaptation process should nevertheless be initiated. This requires community
involvement through participatory planning in order to make use of local experiences
and knowledge.
2. The existing technologies at the community level, and among researchers supporting
communities in undertaking adaptations to climate change, are currently
inadequately disseminated. While the generation of additional technologies is
regarded as a priority in the long term, transfer of already available technologies to
the user community should be the immediate priority.
3. The local adaptation plan of action (LAPA) is an effective means to mainstream
adaptation options in national and local governmental plans, and to support local
communities in planning for adaptation. Although the initial costs of defining this
methodology are high, they will decrease as soon as it is evolved and scaled up.
Hence, the adaptation costs and resulting benefits will also remain at the local level.
4. The majority of the adaptation actions identified for the hill farming system in Nepal
are long-term actions. In order to achieve sustainability, the adaptation actions
should not be part of any project or one-time investment, but must be integrated into
the regular agricultural development process.
5. Adaptation priorities for the hill farming system of Nepal mainly incorporate improved
practices for integrated soil, land, hedgerow and water management – for instance,
through water harvesting and small-scale irrigation measures.