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Shifting cultivation is a dominant form of farming in the eastern Himalayas, practised by a diverse group of indigenous people from the most marginalized social and economic groups
. The survival of these indigenous people and the survival of their forests are inextricably linked. However, policy makers and natural resource managers perceive shifting cultivation to be wasteful, destructive to forests, and unsustainable. Although policies have tried to ban it or ‘wean’ shifting cultivators away from the practice by incentivizing them to take up alternative options, shifting cultivation persists. As a result, neither the livelihood issues of the shifting cultivators nor the health of the forest ecosystems on which shifting cultivation depends are properly protected. Shifting cultivators and policy makers must seek common ground to improve shifting cultivation for farmers and forests. A joint solution is also required to address climate change as good forest cover plays a prominent role in the sequestration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. This publication is the result of research undertaken in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal on the promotion of innovative policy and development options for improving shifting cultivation in the eastern Himalayas. It is divided into two parts: Part 1 presents the findings of the study on the effect of government policies on customary tenure and institutions and alternative options. Part 2 presents a discussion of the findings of the three countries as well as some general and country-wise recommendations. It is hoped that the findings of the research will enable governments to improve their shifting cultivation polices, which will, in turn, help shifting cultivators to improve their economic and social status
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This paper assess the relationship between reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) regulation and farmers’ choice for livestock production systems using a multinomial choice model fitted to data from household survey of 324 farmers from Nepal
. The results indicate that intensive livestock system is more likely to have chosen by farmers involving in REDD program. The association between REDD and livestock systems remain when controlling for all factors included in the study. Better access to market and extension, distance to the river, total livestock units, and keeping improved breed are significant and critical for choosing intensive system. The results suggest that REDD regulation may have reduced grazing and forest use and farmers alternative livestock system becomes more intensive. Government policies should consider livestock management system as an important factor while formulating national REDD strategy. Further study is needed to evaluate the net effect of REDD and intensive system
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This paper assess the relationship between reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) regulation and farmers’ choice for livestock production systems using a multinomial choice model fitted to data from household survey of 324 farmers from Nepal
. The results indicate that intensive livestock system is more likely to have chosen by farmers involving in REDD program. The association between REDD and livestock systems remain when controlling for all factors included in the study. Better access to market and extension, distance to the river, total livestock units, and keeping improved breed are significant and critical for choosing intensive system. The results suggest that REDD regulation may have reduced grazing and forest use and farmers alternative livestock system becomes more intensive. Government policies should consider livestock management system as an important factor while formulating national REDD strategy. Further study is needed to evaluate the net effect of REDD and intensive system
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This paper presents the consumers' willingness to pay a price premium for organic products in Kathmandu Valley
. The Nepal Permaculture Group surveyed 180 consumers using semi-structured questionnaires to examine peoples' perception about organic products and assess their willingness to pay for such products. The study revealed that all respondents are willing to pay price premium, but the level of acceptability varied considerably. A total of 58% of the consumers are willing to pay 6- 20% price premium, whereas 13% are willing to pay up to 50% premium. The average premium was estimated about 30%. About 39% of the respondents feel the extra cost for organic products is reasonable, while 27% considered it too high. The survey also suggested that the consumption of organic products is increasing; however, product development and innovations in certification, processing, labeling and packaging are needed to further stimulate demand
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This study documents the use of uncultivated plants, their status and contribution to the livelihoods of Chepang people in the mid-hills of Nepal
. Diversity fairs, key informant surveys, group discussions and individual household surveys were conducted. The plants identified were used as food, vegetables, medicine, and for cultural and economic reasons. The uses of 85 uncultivated plant species were documented of which 72% had multiple functions. The uncultivated foods contributed significantly to food requirements of the households (mean 2.6 months a year). Fifteen species were stored for future use, e.g., Dioscorea species. Almost all species (87%) were also culturally important or medicinal (43%). The availability of these species has declined over time. However, people have started in-situ conservation and domestication of several important species, e.g., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Dioscorea bulbifera L., and Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) H.J. Lam, but these resources are neglected in research and development activities
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The vast amount of marginal sloppy land available in Nepal is greatest challenge for research and development interventions
. These areas are typically remote in access, marginal in agricultural production, lack cash generating opportunities. Soil erosion and land degradations have been a serious concern. In last few years, various technologies found to be effective in conserving soil and water, enhancing soil fertility and increasing crop production. However, inadequate consideration of farmers’ local knowledge and resources, and poor participation of farmers in the research process resulted in low adoption of such technologies. As a result researchers are now given priorities to the farmers in the whole process of the technology generation
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