| Issue/Objective |
The Chepangs are one of the most marginalised indigenous nationalities of Nepal. Majority of Chepangs are living in remote hilly areas who are still socio-politically, culturally, economically, and historically marginalized for years. They are traditionally nomadic people who relied on hunting, fishing and the products of the forest in the past. With increased transport facilities and mobility, the social livelihoods of Chepangs have transformed in the recent years from a nomadic group to shifting cultivation and further to sedentary subsistence agriculture. Their walkability, migration and social interactions have significantly improved with the road connectivity, communication facilities and a closer relationships with families and neighbours. However, there are still language and socio-cultural barriers for socialisation with other population groups. |
| Methodology/Approach |
This case study is part of my recent ethnographic fieldwork in Raksirang community of Makawanpur district where I aim to explore how the livelihoods of Chepangs are shaped by their walkability, local traditions, religious identity, social solidarity and collective consciousness to cope with the health emergencies caused by pandemics such as COVID-19 and natural disasters (e.g. flooding, landslides and earthquake). I use intersectionality approach to explore and synthesise diverse dimensions of ecological and environmental resilience embraced among Chepang communities. |
| Results |
It generates anthropological evidence on how community resilience during health emergencies is shaped by societal enablers, community behaviours, community-based health education and behaviour change interventions, placemaking and walkability contribute to their closer affinity with nature and their environment in the larger historical, social, cultural, economic and political contexts. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
Local health policies and strategies need to focus on community-based inclusive health education and promotion initiatives that empower Chepangs to further build on their indigenous knowledge ecosystems, skills, behaviours and practices in order to enhance their community resilience in health emergencies. |
| Presenters and affiliations |
Jhabindra Bhandari Central Department of Anthropology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal |
