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64%
Food insecurity
Nepal
In Nepal, 2,796 migrants were surveyed – representative of 9.3 million internal migrants in the country. This accounted for 12% of the total sample across the five countries surveyed.
Internal migration in Nepal is primarily driven by economic problems like challenges in livelihoods, lack of job opportunities, and low wages at source locations. Repayment of loans is also a notable push factor, suggesting underlying financial stress and vulnerability. Disasters and change in weather are also a prevalent reason for migration, though to a lesser extent, highlighting the role of extreme weather as an emerging concern.
While many migrate with spouses, children, or other family members, indicating strong family-based migration dynamics, a notable proportion of the sample are accompanied by other villagers and contractors. This could indicate community ties as well as labour recruitment priorities play a crucial role in shaping migration decisions.
Seasonal migration is more prominently in Nepal, with a vast majority of the sample migrating for a few months in year. Due to the heavy dependence on farming income at source locations, many return home in agriculturally active seasons. Permanent or long-term migration is not common.
The majority of respondents reported being impacted at both source and destination areas, suggesting more broad-based exposure to weather related risks across locations.
A significant share of migrants also reported experiencing impacts only in their source or only at the destination, though to a lesser extent.
No. of migrants not impacted negatively by extreme weather
At source locations reported facing weather-related impacts either at home or in both home and destination areas.
At destination locations reported experiencing climate impacts either where they currently live or in both locations.
These findings reflect the widespread and compounding climate challenges internal migrants face across their migration journey in Nepal.
Weather-related disruptions have significant impacts on livelihoods in Nepal’s source locations, especially in terms of wage loss and crop loss. Many also mentioned experiencing wage cuts. At the same time, loss of livestock was also significant among participants at source locations.
68% Crop loss
30% Animal loss
74% Wage loss
10% Emplyoment related asset loss
50% Wage cut
17% Job loss
Food insecurity is the most widespread consequence of weather events at source locations. Many also reported health problems, loss of water and sanitation facilities, and loss of household goods. Impacts on these basic amenities pose a big challenge for the participants during weather events.
Weather events severely affect migrant households, leading to large scale food insecurity, health issues, and loss of basic services like water and sanitation. Many families also reported reduced remittances they used to send back to their families. These cascading impacts translate to deeper socioeconomic vulnerabilities of migrant workers at destination locations.
