The following photo essay offers a glimpse into my fieldwork in Nepal. As a Ph.D. student, I am exploring how run-of-the-river hydropower alters the availability (amount, timing, and location) of water resources that are critical for agricultural livelihoods. Across the Himalayas, rivers are being diverted for energy generation. While this renewable energy source is needed, negative impacts on local livelihoods are often overlooked. In response, I am currently visiting hydropower sites in the Gandaki River Basin of Nepal and interviewing ‘project-affected’ farmers, as well as hydropower developers and operators. My aim is to learn how these projects shape water resources in these communities and work with stakeholders to better understand the barriers and opportunities for more sustainable and equitable hydropower development in mountain river basins.
