This study investigates the impact of climate change extremes, particularly drought, on food security among smallholder farmers in Nepal. Data from 400 households across three agro-ecological zones—Mountains, Hills, and Terai—reveals that 12% of households are food insecure based on food consumption scores, while 22% use short-term coping strategies. Ordered logit models show that exposure to drought negatively affects food security, while adaptation strategies like irrigation, agroforestry, and temporary migration improve it. Household factors such as education, access to markets, credit, and information significantly influence adaptive capacity. The study highlights the importance of tailoring adaptation strategies to local socio-economic and institutional contexts. The conceptual framework integrates food security indicators with climate change vulnerability dimensions. The study area, characterized by smallholder farming and high poverty, faces significant climate-related challenges. Smallholder farmers are vulnerable due to limited resources, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and low adaptive capacity. Climate change impacts crop productivity, increasing food insecurity and poverty. The study used a multi-stage sampling approach to collect data from 400 households. Data analysis employed an ordered logit model to assess the impact of various factors on food security. Key findings include the significant role of household head age, education, and gender in food security. Men's decision-making in meal planning is associated with lower food security, while women's involvement in food production is linked to better outcomes. Access to information through various channels also plays a critical role in food security. The study found that drought significantly impacts food security, while adaptation strategies like small-scale irrigation, agroforestry, and temporary migration improve it. Remittances, while significant in other contexts, were found to have a less direct impact on food security in Nepal due to their use for non-food purposes. Land size and proximity to markets also influence food security, with larger land holdings and closer markets associated with better outcomes. The study underscores the need for tailored adaptation strategies that consider local socio-economic and institutional factors. It highlights the importance of improving access to information, education, and financial services for smallholder farmers to enhance their adaptive capacity and food security. The findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between climate change, food security, and socio-economic factors in smallholder farming systems.This study investigates the impact of climate change extremes, particularly drought, on food security among smallholder farmers in Nepal. Data from 400 households across three agro-ecological zones—Mountains, Hills, and Terai—reveals that 12% of households are food insecure based on food consumption scores, while 22% use short-term coping strategies. Ordered logit models show that exposure to drought negatively affects food security, while adaptation strategies like irrigation, agroforestry, and temporary migration improve it. Household factors such as education, access to markets, credit, and information significantly influence adaptive capacity. The study highlights the importance of tailoring adaptation strategies to local socio-economic and institutional contexts. The conceptual framework integrates food security indicators with climate change vulnerability dimensions. The study area, characterized by smallholder farming and high poverty, faces significant climate-related challenges. Smallholder farmers are vulnerable due to limited resources, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and low adaptive capacity. Climate change impacts crop productivity, increasing food insecurity and poverty. The study used a multi-stage sampling approach to collect data from 400 households. Data analysis employed an ordered logit model to assess the impact of various factors on food security. Key findings include the significant role of household head age, education, and gender in food security. Men's decision-making in meal planning is associated with lower food security, while women's involvement in food production is linked to better outcomes. Access to information through various channels also plays a critical role in food security. The study found that drought significantly impacts food security, while adaptation strategies like small-scale irrigation, agroforestry, and temporary migration improve it. Remittances, while significant in other contexts, were found to have a less direct impact on food security in Nepal due to their use for non-food purposes. Land size and proximity to markets also influence food security, with larger land holdings and closer markets associated with better outcomes. The study underscores the need for tailored adaptation strategies that consider local socio-economic and institutional factors. It highlights the importance of improving access to information, education, and financial services for smallholder farmers to enhance their adaptive capacity and food security. The findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between climate change, food security, and socio-economic factors in smallholder farming systems.