Potatoes play an important role in the livelihood and food security of farming communities in Nepal. But, Nepal has one of the lowest national yield averages globally and for the developing world. Diseases are a major limiting factor in improving potato productivity in the country. Government agencies are constrained by limited resources and capacities to respond to problems faced by potato farmers in far-flung areas.
Participatory research and development often begins with a pilot activity that involves a small number of participants within a limited geographic area. No matter how successful, these pilot activities inevitably face the challenges associated with scaling up successful experiences beyond the pioneering farmer groups and farming communities.
