Phidim, Nepal - At the confluence of the Hewakhola and Tamor rivers in eastern Nepal, the Majhi indigenous fishing community is facing growing threats to food security and traditional livelihoods as climate-driven floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall reshape their environment and way of life.
Once known for fertile soils and abundant freshwater fish, Majhi settlements in Phidim Municipality and Hilihang Rural Municipality of Panchthar District now report declining crop yields, reduced fish populations, and increasing dependency on market-based food. The community-comprising around 36 households-is experiencing what locals describe as a "rapid and alarming shift" in both river ecosystems and agricultural cycles.
Disappearing Rivers, Disrupted Harvests
Residents say unpredictable rainfall and recurrent flash floods have destroyed irrigation channels, washed away fish habitats, and triggered repeated crop failures.
“Earlier, men caught fish using boats, and rice grew abundantly,” said Mamita Majhi, a local resident. “Now the floods wash away our canals, rice no longer grows properly, and it has become difficult to even light the hearth.”
Farmers also report new patterns of disease and pests affecting maize, wheat, potatoes, and traditional seed varieties. With little harvest to rely on, families increasingly depend on store-bought food, which they say has led to rising health concerns and reduced nutritional intake.
Fish Stocks Collapse After Successive Floods
The Majhi, historically dependent on fishing, say river ecosystems have dramatically deteriorated.
“Fifteen years ago, spending an hour in the river could bring back four to five kilos of fish. Now, even a whole day with nets barely yields a kilo,” said Ram Majhi, Chairperson of the Majhi Uplift Association.
Major flood events-in 2080 and again in 2081 (Nepali calendar)-reportedly wiped out large populations of freshwater fish and damaged riverbeds. Residents also link a previous decline in fish to landslide debris entering rivers from Taplejung nearly a decade and a half ago.
Changing Seasons and Rising Disease
Local teachers and health observers say seasonal patterns are shifting, resulting in new public health challenges. Mosquitoes, once limited to spring and summer months, are now present year-round, alongside increasing cases of cholera, diarrhea, and dengue. Livestock are also showing higher rates of fever, cracked hooves, and swelling, leading to lower milk production.
“The timing of rainfall and snowfall in the mountains has changed, and daily life is being directly affected,” said Shobha Majhi, a teacher at Jagriti Basic School.
Human–Wildlife Conflict on the Rise
With forest and river ecosystems shifting, residents report increased presence of monkeys, porcupines, and other wildlife raiding fields and destroying crops before harvest-further compounding food insecurity.
Community Demands Support and Climate-Adaptive Solutions
Despite facing cascading environmental and economic challenges, locals say they have received little to no targeted support from government bodies or NGOs to adopt climate-resilient agriculture or protect river biodiversity.
“We want farming systems suitable for changing climate conditions and safe from wildlife damage,” said 60-year-old Mina Majhi. “But no one has come to support us. We need technical guidance and research-based solutions.”
The concerns were shared during a recent community interaction program on women and climate change in Majhitar.
A Local Issue in a Global Climate Debate
The Majhi community’s experience mirrors those of many indigenous river-dependent groups across South Asia, where climate change is accelerating ecological disruptions and undermining traditional livelihoods. Their story contributes to a growing global narrative: communities least responsible for emissions are among the most affected by climate impacts.
As Nepal prepares climate adaptation strategies under national and international frameworks, the Majhi community’s call for support highlights an urgent need for locally tailored interventions backed by scientific research, ecosystem restoration, and culturally sensitive policy measures.
