forestry Foundation (NAF) research site at Gajuri, ICIMOD/NARC demonstration site at
Paireni and Lumle Agriculture Research Station site. Farmers were taken to exposure tour to
the demonstration site of eco-centre at Gaighat, organic farming centre managed by a Team
Organization for Local Initiatives (TOLI) at Eklekhet Tanahun, Cooperatives of Charaudi and
drip and sprinkle irrigation at Bimal Nagar managed by International Development
Enterprises (IDE).
Capacity development
The farmers of Gorkha site were provided with a one week long training on horticulture and
composting. At least one member of the farmer’s organization was provided training on fund
mobilization. Six day training on vegetable production and management was organized in
Kaundiphant of Gorkha district. The training was organized by Nucleus for Empowerment
Through Skill Transfer (NEST) Pokhara. Motivators from each site were provided with one
week long field based training on nursery management. LI-BIRD also organized a one week
long training specific to the women group of Kaudiphant on mushroom farming.
Health and nutrition camp
A health and nutrition camp was organized in Thumka village of Gorkha district. This activity
was organized in close coordination with Gorkha Milan Samaj and the farmers’ organization.
The main objective of the health camp was to increase awareness of farmers towards the
importance of health and nutrition for their life and to encourage farmers to be conscious of
regular health check ups and other hygienic matters. Health check ups and other awareness
raising activities were carried out. Short sessions and skits were carried out in order to orient
farmers about the role of home gardens, particularly the vegetables and fruits in the nutrition
and health of women and children.
Livestock and fodder/forage production support
Breed improvement, vaccination, drenching and other veterinary services integrated with
fodder production are carried out in these areas. DLSO Tanahun and Gorkha have provided
fodder and forage seedling for livestock production. In this year, DLSO Gorkha has given
PPR vaccination to goats in Thumka village.
Initial impact/effect of intervention
Diversity in crops
The baseline report indicates that farmers in
the past did not have much of diversity in
crops and the choice was also limited. Only
the maize based production system and
associated local varieties were found in the
area. After the intervention, there had been
increase in crop choices like many new and
locally adopted and preferred varieties were
introduced in the area. Figure 4 below
clearly shows comparatively more diversity
in vegetables and fodder and forage
species than other crop varieties or species.
Changes in Cropping Pattern
Due to intervention, new cropping patterns and species have emerged. The slash and burn
system was gradually reduced due to technological options. Varieties of vegetables were
promoted in the home gardens of Chepang households in order to increase the dietary
diversity. The findings suggested that there was reduction of dependency on wild foods after
the intervention (Annex 2). An integrated approach was used where the livestock rearing
Diversity in Crops02468101214161820Ma i z e Rice
VegetablesFodder/Forage Fruits
CropsNu m b e r2001
2004Figure 4. Diversity in Crops