The district beyond the mountains : a qualitative study of movement choices, evolving community practices, and the essence of social networks in relation to climatic factors in Upper Mustang, Nepal | |
| Author | Thebe, Aastha |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.DP-25-07 |
| Subject(s) | Climatic changes--Effect of human beings on--Himalaya Mountains Region Human geography--Himalaya Mountains Region |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development Planning Management and Innovation |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The Trans- Himalayan Region of Nepal is a unique location not only because of its majestic terrains but also because of the rich culture, history and antiquity. However, this timeless landscape is now facing a dire situation as it stands at the frontline of rapid climate change where erratic precipitation, snowfall patterns, rising temperature along with frequent and prolonged water scarcity is changing the traditional ways of life and the structure of the communities. Nepal contributes to only 0.03% to the global greenhouse gas emissions, however it ranks among the ten countries affected by climate change. This study explores how the communities of Lo- Manthang Rural Municipality and one community from Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda Municipality are responding to the changes brought by climatic factors through movement dynamics, changes in the community practices and social networks. Following a qualitative multiple case study design, the research draws on a total of 40 participants through Semi-structured In depth interview (SSI), Key Informant Interview (KII), Focus Group Discussion (FGD), observation, transect walks and informal interactions with the people in the region. The study also presents a time series analysis of Lo- Manthang from the year (2013-2023). The findings showcase that some villages have totally relocated due to water scarcity while in some other villages a handful of people have still chose to stay behind. People in the region have also been adapting through seasonal migration and diversifying livelihood means which are recently introduced. Community Practices have been gradually changing, and social networks have been aiding people to both stay in the region and at the same time move out of the region as well. The study further tries to look at movement dynamics, choices, changes in the community practices and the whole web of social network through the lens of Lee’s Push and Pull Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This study aims to bring forth local voices in the choices that they make due to climatic factors. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Development Planning Management and Innovation (DPMI) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed |
| Examination Committee(s) | Banerjee, Paula;Pal, Indrajit |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Her Majesty the Queen’s Scholarships (Thailand) |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |