Impact of Mikania micrantha invasion and perceptions of local communities in Central Nepal

Mikania micrantha, one of the most widespread and problematic invasive alien species, has a negative impact on ecology and people’s livelihood. Though numerous studies have focused on ecological consequences, limited research has addressed the socio-economic impact of this weed. Using a case study from a buffer zone community forest in the Chitwan district, central Nepal, this paper assessed the impact of M.micrantha invasion on livelihood and explored coping strategies adopted by local communities. Household interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were employed to collect qualitative and quantitative data. The results indicated that the invasion of M.micrantha resulted in decreased availability of preferred wild edible vegetable species, such as Matteuccia struthiopteris (Nuiro) and Asparagus officinalis (Kurilo). Local people’s perception towards the introduction, application, and coping strategy for M. micrantha significantly differed with distance to the forest, type of residents (native vs. migrants), and other demographic characteristics (e.g. age and caste). Local people perceived that invasion affected the wildlife habitat and decreased the availability and quality of native tree species, resulting in additional travel distances to collect forest products. Factors like forest closure, seed dispersal, and lack of management caused increased invasion whereas natural process, mechanical intervention, and silvicultural operation facilitated reduced invasion. Although the community forest user group intervened to control the invasion, their efforts were ineffective in managing and controlling invasive species due to poor institutional support. Collective actions among the government, non-government organizations, and the local community would increase effectiveness in reducing the negative impact of this weed.