Cryosphere-Fed Irrigation Networks in the Northwestern Himalaya: Precarious Livelihoods and Adaptation Strategies Under the Impact of Climate Change

Mountain Research and Development

article

Marcus Nüsser¹  Juliane Dame²  Sitara Parveen¹  Benjamin Kraus²  Ravi Baghel¹  Susanne Schmidt¹ 

[1] 1 Department of Geography, South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University;2 Heidelberg Center for the Environment, Heidelberg University, c/o Institute of Environmental Physi" />

关键词: Cryosphere dynamics;    irrigation networks;    adaptation strategies;    sociohydrology;    Himalaya;    India;    Pakistan.;   

DOI  :  10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-18-00072.1

来源: BioOne

【 摘 要 】

Irrigated agriculture iscrucial for the livelihoodsecurity of mountaincommunities in thenorthwestern part of theHimalayan arc andadjoining regions of theKarakoram, Hindu Kush,and Trans-Himalaya. Using meltwater from glaciers, snow, andpermafrost, mountain dwellers have developed sophisticatedtechniques to cope with recurrent water scarcity caused byglacier retreat, glacier thinning, and seasonal snow-coverdynamics. Based on case studies from the Nanga Parbat region,Hunza-Karakoram, and Ladakh, this paper seeks to identifygeneral patterns and site-specific characteristics of agrarianpractices and adaptation strategies in the face of climatechange. The comparative case study approach reveals differingresponses to water scarcity, which depend on local conditionsand include the construction of new irrigation channels,installation of pipes, and building of artificial ice reservoirs. Thebiophysical investigation is supplemented by an exploration ofsocioeconomic factors and is based on long-term research inthe 3 study areas. The methods used include multitemporalremote sensing analysis, mapping of natural water storagecomponents and irrigation infrastructure, and interviews. Takinginto consideration social factors such as the expansion of offfarm income opportunities and market integration, we identifykey variables that affect the sustainability and resilience of landuse systems. Outcomes are diverse, ranging from theintensification and extension of irrigated mountain agricultureto the abandonment of irrigated areas, depending on localsociohydrological settings.

【 授权许可】

CC BY