KATHMANDU, Sept 12: Increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather conditions have posed a significant challenge to tourism businesses.
A research conducted by the Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM) unveiled that climate change has resulted in an increasing number of natural disasters which include avalanches, floods, and landslides during the rainy season, further threatening the safety of tourists and infrastructure.
The research funded by WTO Chairs Program-Nepal of the World Trade Organization explored the complex interplay of climate change, gender dynamics, and cash crop production, particularly in Chitwan and Ilam districts.
“The adverse effects of climate change have led to a decline in the local fauna and flora, while the emergence of unpredictable fogs and mists has disrupted travel plans. The presence of mosquitos in mountain ranges and the appearance of previously unseen diseases and pests have added to the mounting concerns. People in Nepal are not only grappling with the current impacts of climate change but are also deeply anxious about their future in the face of these environmental challenges,” reads the research report.
The research has also uncovered significant insights into the challenges facing cash crop producers in these regions.
One key finding underscores the profound impact of climate change on cash crop production, with shifting climate patterns, temperature fluctuations, and unpredictable precipitation disrupting farming and endangering livelihoods. Also, the study highlighted a notable gender gap in climate change awareness. Males demonstrated greater knowledge about climate change effects, adaptation strategies, and government policies. This disparity was attributed to their increased exposure to external information sources, family support, and involvement in formal and informal networks with government authorities and stakeholders.
In regard to trade and business, the report found that export-oriented firms in Nepal must grasp the pivotal importance of integrating Sustainable Business Practices (SBP) into their strategies. Implementing SBP can confer a competitive edge through product differentiation, bolstering market and financial performance in foreign markets.
The study underscores that firm-initiated efforts alone are insufficient, highlighting the role of government intervention. Collaboration between government and private firms is essential to define SBP aspects, develop stakeholder education programs, articulate implementation methods, and foster SBP integration across business functions.
The study also highlights the role of a strong inclination towards using the internet to enhance the women micro-entrepreneurs business skills.
Meanwhile, the KUSOM is hosting the Academy of International Business (AIB) South Asia Conference 2024. The conference is set to unite participants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka for an enriching exchange of ideas, research dissemination, and professional networking.