Migration is one of the adaptive mechanisms adopted by humans for sustaining their livelihood. Of the various factors, scholars have linked migration to climate change both as a push and a pull factor. Studies also show that high altitude (Himalayan and trans-Himalayan regions) and high latitude regions are vulnerable to climate change that has adversely affected food security of people in those areas. This paper aims to present the nexus between climate induced migration and food security situation among the trans-Himalayan Lobas of Lo-manthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal. This study is based on review of existing as well as anecdotal evidences to uncover the relationships between two, primarily focusing on the sustainable livelihood (SL) framework. Existing evidence show that the trans-Himalayan region of Lo-manthang has been experiencing climate change. The minimum annual average temperature of Upper-Mustang has increased by 0.048 degrees Celsius per year, while the maximum temperature increased by 0.1391 degrees Celsius per year from 1974 to 2015. Similarly, the rainfall (from 1974 to 2015) has decreased by 3 mm per year. Migration is an age-old practice of Upper Mustang, however the new trends of migration is associated with the climate change related phenomena. The information collected through qualitative approach using KII and observation show that the frequency of extreme weather events have been increasing and the region is getting drier. Due to climate change related factors the livelihood assets of Loba have become weaker. The Loba have changed crop cultivation practices which has influenced their food security as well as overall livelihood. Such a change in climate has induced out-migration and Lobas have resorted to seasonal labor migration. Moreover, the Loba migration patterns are closely associated with geography, climate, language, and culture that interplay a significant role in their life and food security. Possible policy implications are also discussed.
