Agricultural Research and Extension System in Nepal: An Organizational Review

Abstract

This report aims to address the status and challenges of agriculture research, extension and their linkages in Nepal. Agriculture plays the vital role in Nepal’s economy, employment, and livelihoods, contributing nearly 28% to GDP, 66% to employment, and 50% to export. In spite of GON’s priority and policy supports for more than two decades, the growth of agriculture has been very slow (<3.0%). This is mainly due to inadequate access to demand-driven technologies and extension services, and to inputs, credits, markets and incentives. Dynamic agriculture research and extension systems are instrumental for bringing transformations in agriculture. Nepal’s agricultural R&D is largely dominated by public sector institutions (NARC, DOA, DOLS) under the MOAD and MOLD with their national-, regional- and local-level networks. The institutional capacity (manpower, infrastructure, funds and others resources) is inadequate to address the diverse technological and service demands of the diverse clients including farmers, entrepreneurs and industries. While GON has advocated promotion of private sector in research and development, not much has been achieved due to weak coordination and linkage mechanisms to foster public–private partnership in R&D. Strengthening of both public and private actors with proactive policies and program interventions for functional participations and linkages are crucial. This will also require the involvement of diverse R&D actors in planning, in monitoring, and in sharing of resources, incentives and recognition. GON’s commitment to promote agriculture R&D with enabling policies, funding, and capacity building is vital for sustainable impacts. Implementation of the recommendations to reform and strengthen research and extension systems and promote linkages among actors, service providers and key stakeholders in Nepal’s federal system will be critical for bringing the anticipated outcomes.