Hybrid knowledge and climate-resilient agriculture practices of the Tharu in the western Tarai, Nepal

Indigenous knowledge can function as a basis of innovation in agriculture because it is not only culturally accepted, but often also environmentally adaptive. The debates and misunderstandings regarding the relations between scientific are transforming into trend to integrate all deal with complex issues, such climate change. In this study we explore understandings Tharu people their farming system relation adaptation mitigation change, based on mixed methods design using both ethnographic analysis specific practices from participant observation survey 229 households western Tarai Nepal. Among our findings fit traditional agricultural calendar labor regimen seasons. We found that conservation tillage-oriented practices, relay cropping, including zero-tillage, remain important system. Although practice decreasing, particularly due low yield compared conventional tillage system, sowing zero-tillage lowlands uplands for timely crop sowing. Similarly, cropping prevalent, among small holders, subsistence-based farming, part higher than sole cropping. conclude assists making informed decisions climate-resilient emission agriculture. some may lower profit those derived knowledge/methods, have therefore embraced “hybrid knowledge”—a combination knowledge, technology practice—to balance increased maximization concurrent decreased vulnerability extreme weather events. argue useful make firm distinctions traditional, local age hybridity. This hybridity evident complementarity use improved varieties major grains continuing landraces minor crops lentils, peas mustard. However, further research sustainable productivity required before widespread dissemination.