The Current Political Landscape in Nepal
Nepal stands at a pivotal moment, where traditional political parties are struggling to maintain their influence, while new ones are still finding their footing. This shift is particularly evident as the upcoming elections approach, with various parties trying to prove their relevance in this evolving political environment. The internal conflicts within each party have further complicated the situation, leading to a decline in public trust. This erosion of confidence was notably highlighted by the September revolt led by Gen-Z, which overthrew a government that had a near two-thirds majority in the House.
This crisis is not an isolated event but rather the result of decades of misgovernance. The hardships faced by ordinary citizens have often been ignored or exploited for political gain. Issues such as lack of employment, declining traditional livelihoods, and high costs of education and healthcare have left many feeling sidelined. Instead of the hope that typically accompanies a new government, people have witnessed elites benefiting from the political cycle, while the youth, who see no future at home, bear the brunt of these challenges.
The Role of Youth in Shaping the Future
The story of high school graduates seeking No Objection Certificates to study abroad is a common one among middle- and lower-middle-class families in Nepal. However, the words of a Gen-Z leader on the eve of the September protests resonated deeply with the youth. His question, “Do Nepali youth not get to grow old alongside our childhood friends in our own country?” marked a significant moment, reflecting the long-awaited response to years of poor governance.
While global crises such as geo-economic tensions, rising living costs, and climate emergencies affect many countries, Nepal’s situation is compounded by its weak systems and institutions. These have been weakened by years of political maneuvering and mismanagement. As a result, the future for young people across all backgrounds looks increasingly bleak.
Addressing Economic Challenges
Despite the possibility of a cleaner political course post-elections, addressing the concurrent economic issues remains a pressing concern. How do we tackle the neglected economy? Even if we commit to change, where do we start? Creating jobs, building confidence, and convincing the youth that a future is possible are monumental tasks without quick solutions. Plans to improve GDP often fail to reflect the real conditions of ordinary citizens.
Rebuilding the foundation of the economy, particularly agriculture—the largest source of livelihood—offers a prime opportunity to restore public confidence. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including climate impacts that threaten farmers’ livelihoods.
Climate Impacts on Agriculture
Over the past 25 years, farmers have endured recurring droughts, with the frequency and duration increasing sharply since 2015. Mid-monsoon droughts, once rare, have become routine, and winters have seen no rain since 2022. Unseasonal heavy rains and floods have damaged crops regularly, leaving farmers uncertain about adapting to these unpredictable patterns. When the state fails to respond, it exacerbates the already fragile sociopolitical fabric of the country.
These weather-related challenges have severely impacted agriculture, making its future highly uncertain. The October rains of 2025, which destroyed ready-to-harvest paddy in Tarai and millet in the hills, highlighted these recurring issues. Over the past five years, these disasters have caused economic losses exceeding Rs100 billion, along with physical hardships and infrastructure damage.
The Food Security Dilemma
The growing gap between the number of migrant workers and declining food production raises concerns about food security. Despite these challenges, food imports have increased significantly, from $1 billion in 2021 to $2.57 billion in 2024. However, this reliance on imports poses risks, as countries like India, from which most food is imported, also face agrarian crises.
A Path Forward
One viable solution to address the current crisis lies in safeguarding agriculture against climate-induced stresses. However, the institutions responsible for advising the government on climate issues remain reactive rather than proactive. Policy decisions are often too late and disconnected from reality. For instance, victims of the 2021 Melamchi floods still await promised relief, highlighting the need for more effective action.
Solutions for climate-induced stresses must be developed through field-level exploration, tailored to local needs. While some pilot initiatives under ‘climate smart agriculture’ exist, concrete actions are lacking. Prioritizing adaptation in all sectors and integrating climate considerations into development initiatives can help improve the economic base of ordinary citizens.
By focusing on these areas, we can empower citizens to deal with climate adversities autonomously, ensuring a collective future. The alternative, however, could lead to resentment, fueling further unrest and uprisings as more farmers abandon agriculture without viable livelihood options in the coming years.
