We looked at satellite-based climate data and compared it to farmers’ reported experiences of floods and droughts. As there’s no single way to define droughts or floods using satellite data, we used three different methods based on a climate index called the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), which measures soil moisture. We compared these data with farmer surveys using statistical methods to see which approach best matches what farmers experienced. Early results show that using seasonal averages gives the best match with farmers’ reports. We also found that farmers who had lived outside Nepal were more likely to accurately report events that matched the scientific data.

We analyze correlations between crop yields, money sent home from abroad (remittances), and farming decisions are connected to how farmers perceive climate risks. Understanding these links helps us create better tools to support climate-smart farming and improve resilience in Nepal’s vulnerable communities.