The Census of Agriculture 2021/22 has reported 4,130,789 holdings including 3,999,285 holdings with land and 131,504 holdings without land in Nepal. The first Census of Agriculture 1961/62 reported 1540 thousand holdings in Nepal. The number increased to 3360 thousand in 2001/02. It has further increased to 4130 thousand in 2021/22. Over a 60-year period, there has been a huge growth of 168 percent in the number of holdings. The total area of holdings increased from 1680 thousand hectares in 1961/62 to 2650 thousand hectares in 2001/02.
However, there has been a continuous decrease in the area under cultivation since 2011/12. The area has decreased from 2520 thousand hectares to 2220 thousand hectares in the last 10 years as shown by last two censuses (2011/12-2021/22). Despite 8 percent increase in the number of holdings, there has been 12 percent decrease in the total area of holdings during the last two censuses. The area under holdings increased by only 32 percent over the sixty-year period though the number of holdings increased by 168 percent during the same period. The recent trend of the last two censuses shows a discrepancy as the number of holdings increased by 8 percent, but the total area of holdings decreased by 12 percent. These trends suggest changes in agricultural practices, land use, or economic factors influencing farming in Nepal over the years. It requires further analysis to understand the factors driving these trends and their implications for the agricultural sector in Nepal.
When examining land use patterns across the provinces of Nepal, Koshi Province emerges with the highest total area of holdings and then followed by by Madhes Province, Lumbini Province, Bagmati Province, Gandaki Province, Sudurpaschim Province, and Karnali Province. This sequence is also observed in the distribution of agricultural land. Notably, Madhes Province stands out with the largest area of arable land, constituting approximately one-fourth of Nepal’s total arable land. The remaining provinces show a consistent pattern, with Karnali Province having the smallest share. Detailed information on land utilization across these provinces is provided in the subsequent tables, with a comprehensive insight into the diverse agricultural landscapes within the country.
The information from the Census of Agriculture 2021/22 focuses on the categorization of land into wet land and dry land, indicating changes in their respective areas over the past 10 years. The Census of Agriculture 2021/22 result has shown 1,429,981 hectare of wet and 788,429 hectare of dry land out of the 2,218,410 hectare of total land. As the total land has decreased, wet and dry land has also decreased by 10 and 16 percent respectively as compared to the previous census.
Overall, this information provides insight into the changing dynamics of land use in Nepal, particularly in terms of wet and dry land, emphasizing the need for further analysis to understand the underlying causes and potential implications for the agricultural sector and beyond.
According to the recent agriculture census 2021/22, 2,218,409.9 hectares of land were operated by agriculture holdings. 95.6 percent (2.12 million hectares) of the total land was used for agriculture. 80.7 thousand hectares were covered with forest and other wooded land, showing a significant increase of 46.9 percent compared to the previous Census of Agriculture. 12.9 thousand hectares were used for ponds, which is more than three times the previous census. The remaining 3.2 thousand hectares were classified as other land, either unused or underdeveloped but potentially usable for agricultural activities with some more human effort.
The majority of agricultural land, 1,730.9 thousand hectares, was used for temporary crops as shown by the Census of Agriculture 2021/22. The area under permanent crops was 145.4 thousand hectares, indicating a decrease in both the areas of temporary and permanent crop. Over the last ten years, there has been a decrease in the land used for temporary crops by 392,316 hectares (18.5%) and for permanent crops by 23,093 hectares (13.7%). The land under temporarily fallow has almost doubled, reaching more than sixty thousand hectares in the 2021/22 census. This information provides insights into the changing scenario of land use, with shift in areas allotted to different types of crops and other land uses.
Arable land in Nepal occupies approximately 1.803 million hectares (12 percent) of the total land area of 14718 thousand hectares in 2021/22. Madhesh Province reported the largest arable land area, totaling 437,203 hectares and is followed by Koshi Province (398,773 hectares). Karnali Province reported the lowest proportion of arable land, amounting to 96,934 hectares.
The historical trends in land distribution over the past 60 years reveal a consistent pattern across the various types of land, including total holdings, agriculture land, and arable land. Notably, when there is a decrease in the area of holdings, there is a corresponding decline in both agriculture land and arable land. Conversely, from 1971/72 to 1981/82, there was an overall increase in all types of land. However, from that point onward, there has been a continuous and notable decrease in land areas. The most significant decline occurred in the last decade, spanning from 2011/12 to 2021/22.
We recently celebrated International Women’s Day with the official theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” on 8th of March 2023. For 113 year’s March 8 is being celebrated as International Women’s Day. Quality participation, assured representation, empowerment, leadership development, equality are terminologies used generally in favor of women. In the current age of information and technology,
equal participation of women in all social sector is important. Gender equality will be a nightmare without this.
What is the real situation of women in Nepal?
Women in Nepal are still under privileged. Information and data below will elaborate the real situation of women in Nepal. According to department of National Personnel Records (Civil), out of total number of civil servants i.e., 88,657, only 26.58 percent are women (up to Ashad 31 2077/78). Ten years back it was only 13.84 percent. Data shows that number of women in civil service is growing continuously.
Nepal Police website reveals that women’s participation in Nepal Police is very low. Out of total Police personnel recruited only 10.97 percent are women. According to Nepal Medical Council data, (till 31 December 2022) out of total Doctors registered in MBBS and BDS, only 37.48 percent are Women. Similarly, only 29.46 percent specialized doctors are women. According to National Economic Census 2018, Analytical Report on Women in Business; women’s participation in decision making level in the private sector is just 29.61 percent. While women’s participation in the cooperative sector is high (51%). As per Nepal Rastra Bank data, women’s participation in Banking and financial sector is higher than other sectors. Out of total personnel’s working in banking and financial sector 39.78 percent are recorded as women. ‘Female Journalist in Nepal’, A study conducted by Sancharika Samuha reveals that only 25 percent journalist around the country are women. Out of this 47.8 percent work in FM Radio and only 11 percent are in editorial leadership.
Nepal is known as agriculture-based country; however, the contribution of the agricultural sector to economy is declining. The contribution of agriculture, industry and service sector to the total value addition of FY 2020/21 was 23.9 percent, 14.3 percent and 61.8 percent respectively. In the current FY 2021/22, the total value addition in agriculture, industry and services sector are estimated to increase by 2.3 percent, 8.1 percent and 6.6 percent respectively. Until 2001 AD economically active women involved in agriculture sector were 76 percent (Census 2001).But 2011 census revealed growth in this number to 77 percent. In 2017 percentage of economically active women engaged in agriculture reached 84 percent. Yearly increase in percentage of women in agriculture is due to increasing number in foreign employment of male members. Which is a big threat to Nepal’s economy. However, census results show that number of women in foreign employment is growing rapidly.
Looking in to the Government budget of Nepal, the government have been adopting gender responsive budgeting system. (Economic Survey 2021/22) The share of direct gender responsive budget in the total budget has surged from 11.34 percent in FY 2007/08 to 39.49 percent in FY 2021/22.
According to Census 2021 51.04 percent of Nepal’s population are Female and gender ratio 95.59. Gender ratio resembles number of males out of hundred females. Central Bureau of Statistics initiated Gender ratio calculation only from 5th census. Similarly, questionnaire regarding gender participation in various social and economic activities was developed only from census 2058. Such questionnaire included women’s right to property, gender participation in agriculture and other economic activities, social inclusion etc. As per census 2021 overall, 23.8 percent of the total households have ownership of land or a housing unit or both (land & housing unit) in the name of female household member. The percentage of the households with female ownership of both land and housing unit is only 11.8 percent, which is an increase of 1.1 percent point compared to that in 2011. Similarly, overall, 31.55 percent of the total households (6,666,937) are headed by female, which is an increase of 5.82 percent points since 2011.
The census 2021 shows that median age at first marriage is 21 years for male and 18 years for female. 34.4percent (Male:32.6%andFemale:35.9%) of the ever- married population aged 10 years and above had their first marriage between the ages of 18 and 20. Similarly, 22.3 percent (Male: 12.3 %; Female: 30.4 %) of them got married for the first me in the ages between 15 to 17 years. Further, 7 percent (Male: 3.0 % and Female: 10.2 %) of them got married for the first time at the ages of 10-14 years.
The literacy rate of the country’s total population aged 5years and above is 76.2 percent in 2021 census. Male literacy rate is 83.6 percent while female literacy rate is 69.4 percent. In the 2011 census, overall literacy rate was 65.9 percent; while male literacy rate was 75.1 percent compared to female literacy rate of 57.4 percent.
The National Population Census 2021 shows that out of the total 12,976 female deaths from fertility age group (15-49 years) in the last 12 months preceding the day of enumeration, 653 (5 percent) deaths were related to pregnancy. Out of the pregnancy related deaths, 622 (95 percent) deaths were found to be maternal mortality by Verbal Autopsy conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population.
Constitution of Nepal provides a clear and comprehensive framework to end all forms of discrimination and inequality. Article 84 has provisioned at least one third of members of federal parliament to be women. Similarly, Article 176 has provisioned at least one third of members of the State Assembly to be women. Article 70 provisions President and Vice President to be from different sex or community. Article 91 provisions at least one woman among the Speaker and the Deputy speaker to House of Representatives should be women. Article 91 provisions at least one woman out of Chair and Vice chair of National Assembly. Article 182 provisions One woman out of State Speaker and Deputy State Speaker. Article 215 provisions at least four members of Village Executive Committee to be women. Article 216 provisions at least five members of the Municipal Executive to be Women. To Ensure Gender Equality and Women and Girls Empowerment Constitution of Nepal has formed a constitutional body; National Women Commission, through Article 252. National Women Commission works for establishing rights and interests of women. It monitors the implementation of laws and international treaties related to empowerment of girls and women.
We just participated in the local level elections on 2079/1/30 BS. There were 55698 women nominees in the elections held. Out of the total nominees 14465 women were elected as people’s representatives. Out of the total elected women three local governments had women as chairperson and vice chairperson. 25 including, 13 municipalities and 12 sub municipalities had women as Mayor. Similarly, 232 Deputy Mayors, 334 vice chair of different local bodies elected women as their representative. 69 women were elected as ward chair. Provincial classification of women’s representation shows that 2478 in Koshi Province, 2770 in Madhesh province, 2356 in Bagmati province, 1623 in Gandaki Province, 2131 in Lumbini Province, 1527 in Karnali Province and 1560 women were elected as people’s representative in Far western Province. Women’s representation has increased to 41.23 percent in the recent election of 2079. It was 40.96 percent in 2074 election. Similarly, results of election held on 2079/8/4 shows that federal parliament has 33.83 percent women and Provincial parliament has 36.36 percent women as people’s representative.
If we look in to history of Nepal’s election, i.e., 12 elections held since 2004 to 2079 BS, we can find significant growth in women’s representation. Before declaration of democracy Nepalese women were restricted to vote. After the establishment of democracy on 7th of Falgun 2007 BS, the first local election was held in Kathmandu on 17th of Bhadra 2010 BS. This election was first of its kind to give voting rights to women. Sadhana Devi Pradhan was the first elected people’s representative from ward no. 4 Kathmandu. Local level elections are political means to empower and enhance women’s participation. This helps to promote women’s participation in decision making process, quantitatively and qualitatively. However, Nepal’s constitution and related acts and regulations outline various rights in favor of women, it is still not fully in the position of implementation. Resulting very less representation of women in various sector. Thus, a continuous pressure and awareness campaign is must from women’s right activists.
Coffee import and export in Nepal is gradually trending towards increasing import while it is gaining popularity among urban population. Increasing number of crowds in well-designed coffee shops in urban centers proves its popularity. In fact coffee is the most consumed drinks and one of the most traded commodities in the world. Globally, consumption is estimated at over 2.25 billion cups per day. In our context, Nepal consumes 250 metric tons of coffee in average per year.
But before it gets to our morning cup, coffee beans travel through a complex global and local supply chain. There are two types of coffee plants- • Coffee Arabica: complex flavor and less caffeine, and its used mostly in specialty and high quality drinks as Arabica coffee. • Coffee Canephora: strong and bitter flavor, easy to grow, and is most frequently used in espressos and instant blends as Robusta coffee.
Coffee berry is stripped down to green beans and shipped from producing countries to a global supply network.
Coffee produced in Nepal is of Arabica variety. It is considered as specialty coffee for its distinct aroma and body and is grown in high altitude area above 1,000 meters up to 1,600 meters. Nepalese coffee is organic and eco-friendly. Small farmers are involved in its plantation. Until 2000 AD coffee plantation and production was an adventure in Nepal. Farmers were not sure of coffee being a source of income or income generating crop. Coffee was produced and processed only for domestic market. After the year 2002, coffee import and export in Nepal has substantially changed due to domestic consumption and motivated coffee producers considering coffee as one of the major income generating crops.
According to National Tea and Coffee development board Nepal produce an average of 470 metric tons of coffee per year. It is cultivated in about 40 districts of the mid-hills. Syangja, Nuwakot, Gulmi, Palpa, Kaski, Kavrepalanchowk, Arghakhanchi, Tanahu, Baglung, Gorkha, Lalitpur are major districts known for coffee production. According to a study done in 2018 Gulmi, Sindhupalchok and Baglung are the top three districts with largest areas classified as highly suitable for coffee cultivation. The study revealed that a total of 424 Palika from 62 districts have some area suitable for coffee cultivation.
Looking into the trend of coffee import and export in Nepal, the country exports 112 metric tons of coffee per year in an average. In the year 2018/19 Nepal exported 84 metric tons of coffee to different countries. It is a very small share in the global coffee market and production. Germany, Japan, US, Australia, Netherland, Switzerland are major markets of Nepalese coffee.
Nepal made a record breaking import in trade history of Coffee in the year 2018/19. 1262 metric tons of coffee was imported this year. Coffee import to Nepal was 163 metric tons, the highest ever, in fiscal year 2017/18. Nepal imports an average of 80 metric tons of coffee every year from India, China, Brazil, Thailand, Korea, United Kingdom etc. Coffee import from India is consistently the highest in last decade.
Coffee isn’t just a drink; after all, it’s a business. Small farmers as well as individuals involved in coffee processing and marketing are shareholders of entire coffee business. Nepal has a favorable climatic condition for its cultivation. Technical and financial support to the farmers involved in coffee cultivation will increase the share of coffee in the economy of Nepal.
99.4% of total coffee import is from India and 0.6% is from other countries as below:
‘Corona pandemic has been no threat to government officials & local governments, an opportunity to power brokers & playground for politicians in terms of survival. What about entrepreneurs & private-sector dependents? Are we only the tax producers? Survival is a new challenge.’– Raj Shrestha an entrepreneur.
This is a representative voice by an entrepreneurholding a private company, suddenly moved to a remote working mode with no timeline as to when-or if-they‘d be going back to the office. Lockdowns have spurred digital workarounds in some workplaces and schools but in countries like Nepal where internet access is very low many people are left behind. This global crisis is affectingcities, industries, small and large businesses, and the lives of vulnerable people globally. It is changing the world in unprecedented ways. The pandemic has supercharged the economic collapse caused by poverty and conflict and placed the largest burden on the vulnerable. There isweak social protection for working-class citizens in countries like Nepal. Government policies are favored by corporations. The gap between the richest and poorest is widening. Covid-19 pandemic has created plenty of problems for employees working on self and for various private companies. How could companies survive to maintain that intangible but powerful aspect of their regular business environment?
A new survey conducted by the research department of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central Bank of Nepal, sought to understand how company culture had changed since Corona Pandemic began. The Federal Government of Nepalannounced a lockdown on 24 March 2020. All social and economic activities were stopped. People all over the nation and in foreign were stranded where they were. On 15th June lockdown was lifted partially. But economic activities have not yet come to normal. The NRB surveyshows the effects and concerns about reopening workplaces, employee‘s wages, number, and salary cut off, unemployment, etc. 674 industries and companies from 52 districtsparticipated in the survey. 61% of the companies were found fully closed, 35% were running partially and 4% were in full operation.
Data Outlook
Companies and industries who participated in the survey have cut off (22.5%) One-fourth of their staff, many of them temporary and in contract.
73.8% decrease in production/business was reported during the survey by the 96.7% of the industries/companies who participated in the survey.
Debt to total assets ratio of the industries/companies is 48.7%.
74.3% has loan from banks and other financial institutions.
8.7% has loan from savings and credit cooperative.
12% has no loan
22.5% employees have lost their job. Most of them are from Hotel and Restaurant sector.
Salary reduction in an average of 18.2% (mostly hotel, restaurant, transport, education sector)
It will take 9 months for industries and companies to run normally as before.
82.3% industries and companies have decided to continue same business after lockdown.
Businesses Open during Corona Pandemic (in %)
Among the 674 industries and companies from 52 districts who took part in the survey.
Companies and industries that participated in the survey have cut off One-fourth of their staff(22.5%), many of them temporary and contract-based. 96.7% of the industries/companies that participated in the survey said there was a decrease of 73.8% in production/business. The debt to total assets ratio of the industries/companies was found to be 48.7%. 74.3% of companies/industries have a loan from banks and other financial institutions. 8.7% of companies/industries have a loan from savings and credit cooperative. 12% of companies are running without a loan. 22.5% of employees have lost their job. Most of them are from Hotel and Restaurant sector. On an average 18.2% Salary was reduced by mostly hotel, restaurant, transport, education sector. It will take 9 months for industries and companies to run normally as before. 82.3% of industries and companies have decided to continue the same business after lockdown.
The impact of the current crisis is not temporary but is likely to induce lasting changes in the way that economiesoperatesays, Nepal Development Update (NDU), a report published by World Bank.Recently published NDUindicates that ‘economic support to firms will be important to generateemployment and pivot them towards a greener economy while managing debt overhang. In the relief stage time-bound, liquidity support should be provided to the most affected firms to increaseemployment. The agriculture and tourism sectors could be prioritized, given their criticality for food security and employment. In the restructuring stage, continued support to firms, including through recapitalization, will be needed. Private-sector recovery can be supported through targeted investments in digitization and by providing fiscal incentives for greeninvestments. In the resilient recovery stage, efforts need to be aimed at strengthening physical, digital, and financial infrastructure to develop e-commerce platforms, enhance access to finance and promote green growth.’ According to WB, COVID-19 had three effects on the monetary and financial sector in Nepal-
First, it led to a drop in private sector credit: new loans to the private sector decreased by 64.7 percent between March and May 2020 compared to the same period the previous year, reflecting a slowdown in economic activities and limited service hours of bank branches during the lockdown.
Second, new deposits – driven by individuals –grew by 82.8 percent, reflecting precautionary savings and a deferment of tax payments.
Third, monetary aggregates increased in May 2020 due to substantial growth in net foreign assets as COVID-19 led to a further decline in imports and an increase in foreign exchange reserves.
The impacts of lockdown were felt across the economy. Industrial capacity utilization dropped from a pre-COVID baseline of 75-80 percent to 46 percent in June 2020. Daily peak energyconsumption, which is closelycorrelated with industrial production, dropped from pre-COVID level of 1000 megawatts (MW) to 700 MW in June 2020 (NDU/WB). As per the NRB survey, 46.6 percent of companies/industrieshad 75 percentlessenergyconsumption, 19.2 percenthad 50% lessenergyconsumption and 18.1 percenthad 25 percentlessenergyconsumption during the lockdown.
According to NDU; remittance has dropped by 43.3 percent between mid-March to mid-May 2020 compared to the same period in previous years. This has affected private consumption and import of goods. There aremillions of migrantworkers in Arab Gulf countries. Global reports say almost 14% of the world‘s migrantworkerslive in the Middle East, where theyare at high risk of exploitation as theyhave no guarantee of social security or pensions. The infection rate is highest among migrantworkers, many who had already lost their jobs, due to the Coronavirus. Thousands of jobless Nepalese workers have returned home, and many of them are still waiting for the regular international flights to open in Nepal. The return of Migrant workers‘ has directly affected the country‘s economy as returnedlabor migrants have increasedunemployment and created an excess supply of labor in the domestic labor market.
The budget for FY 2021 has announcedrelief and recovery measures. As per the budget: A fund of NPR 50 billion will be created to provide concessional loans at the interest rate of 5 percent for the operation of business and payment of salaries for small and medium-sized industries and COVID-19 affected tourism sector.
A discount of 25 percent on the electricity fee for individuals consuming electricity up to 150 units in a month and a discount of 15 percent for individuals consuming electricity up to 250 units in a month. The fee will be waived for individualsconsumingelectricityup to 10 units a month. A 50-percent discount will be provided on demand charges for industries during the lockdown period.
A provision will be made through the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to provide a refinance facility of up to NPR 100 billion at the interest rate of 5 percent for COVID-19-affected industries in the agriculture, cottage, small and medium-sized enterprise, hotel, and tourism sectors.
The insurance policies of COVID-19-affectedindustries and transportation will be extended until the lockdown ends. Social security contribution waived for workers and firms during the lockdown period: The government will makecontributions(on behalf of workers) to the contribution-based Social Security Fund during the lockdown period. Discounts will be provided on parking fees, airline licensing renewal fees, flight qualification certification charges and the infrastructure tax on aviation fuel.
According to the NRB survey, concessional loans at the interest rate of 5 percent as provisioned in the budget will be a good relief to the industries and companies.
This will motivate the industrialists and entrepreneurs to operate and continue their business without cutting off the number of employees.Concession in interest rate, Flexible EMI, Tax rebate,
Additional loan facility for running capital, Flexibility to extendloan period is few other demands of the industries and companies to survive and continue their business fluently.
An agricultural holding is defined as an economic unit of agricultural production under single management comprising all livestock and poultry kept and all land used wholly or partly for agricultural production purposes. According to Nepal Sample Census of Agriculture 2011/12 there are 3,831,093 such agricultural holdings in Nepal. Compared to 2001/02 census there is an increase of about 13.89% (466993) holdings. This increase is very low than previous censuses, 23% in 2001/02 and 25% in 1991/92. In a span of 60 years, from 1961/62 to 2011/12 the number of holdings increased by 2.29 million. Nepal Outlook has taken this effort to bring together agricultural scenario and challenge in data.
However, there is a huge change in number of agricultural holdings; Nepal’s agriculture sector is still far behind from being commercialized and mechanized. Commercialization and mechanization of agriculture needs investment. Looking in to the data enumerated by the agriculture census the proportion of holdings availing agricultural credit to finance their farming is very low. Comparing previous year’s data there is no visible change seen in agriculture financing. In 1991/92 out of total holdings only 23% availed agricultural loan. Similarly in 2001/02 it was 24%. In 2010/11 it further dropped to 21.82%.
If we look at the table above we can see increase and decrease in its number of financial institutions. In 1990 there were only 7 financial institution including 5 commercial banks and 2 development banks. In 2011 there were 218 financial institutions. Currently there are 154 financial institutions, including 27 banks, 20 development banks, 22 finance companies, 85 micro finance development banks. These data do not include Insurance Companies, Infrastructure Development Bank, Citizen’s Investment Trust, Employ’s Provident Fund, Cooperatives and Other financial institutions licensed for financial intermediary operations. The existing provision requires commercial banks to disburse minimum 10 percent of their total credit to agriculture sector and minimum 15 percent to energy and tourism sector. Similarly there is policy provision for the development banks and finance companies to extend at least 15 percent and 10 percent of their total credits respectively to the priority sector. But table below shows that commercial and development banks are far below central bank’s mandate. Last three years data shows that agriculture sector loan did not exceed 6 percent in commercial banks.
Sector wise loan and advances of Commercial and Development Banks (mid July 2019)
S.N
Sector
Percentage of Total Loan
2017
2018
2019
1
Agriculture Forest
4.23
4.6
5.26
2
Fishery
0.12
0.11
0.14
Percentage of Total Loan
2017
2018
2019
1
Agriculture Forest
5.5
5.96
6.24
2
Fishery
0.13
0.13
0.21
These data’s show that however, number of financial institutions is increased in last two decades, agricultural financing is not satisfactory. Agriculture Census data shows that farmers had most of the source of credit from non-institutional or informal types of source likes relatives, private lenders and others. If we observe sources of credit we can see 34.57% of holdings borrowed agricultural credit from relatives, 5.78% from undisclosed sources, while 8.68% borrowed from commercial banks, 12.61% borrowed from Agricultural Development Bank/Nepal and 15.68% from savings and credit cooperatives. In total scenario, only 21.82% of agricultural holdings borrowed agricultural credit. That means still 78.18% of agricultural holdings have no agricultural credit or investment.
Number, area of holdings and number of holdings reporting agricultural credit by total area of holding
Number, area of holdings and number of holdings reporting agricultural credit by total area of holding
Province
Holdings with credit by main source (%)
No. of holdings
Holdings without agricultural credit %
Cooperatives
ADB/N
Commercial Bank/financial institution
Farmer's group
Women's group
Relatives
Other
Province 1
717148
79.48
16.62
16.76
12.2
9.64
12.31
29.71
2.76
Province 2
672927
73.76
9.66
18.75
11.02
3.97
8.42
39.12
9.05
Bagmati
658776
79.54
25.23
7.42
4.54
12.76
16.11
31
2.93
Gandaki
413300
85.84
19.97
12.04
10.55
7.06
15.31
33.22
1.86
Province 5
697293
78.45
14.84
13.73
9.95
10.15
14.01
32.45
4.87
Karnali
261770
72.14
16.92
3.87
4.34
13.31
9.3
42.92
9.34
Sudurpaschim
409879
76.66
9.6
7.48
4.92
14.55
17.47
36.48
9.51
NEPAL
3831093
78.18
15.68
12.61
8.68
9.74
12.95
34.57
5.78
Examining Provincial data, we can see 27.86% of holdings in Karnali Province have agricultural credit, the highest among the Provinces. Province 2 comes second with 26.24% and Sudurpaschim Province with 23.34%. Similarly, 14.56% of holdings in Karnali province have agricultural credits from relatives and individuals and only 7% of credit from financial institutions like commercial banks, ADB/N and cooperatives. Sudurpaschim province is among the provinces having least agricultural credit from financial institutions, which is 5.13%.
Investment in agriculture is directly related to production and food security. Less investment in agriculture results less production and high food insufficiency. Agriculture Census report reveals food insufficiency in various provinces, among all Provinces Karnali province has the highest insufficiency of own produce for household consumption, which is 74.71%. Similarly, Gandaki Province has 67.80%, the second highest insufficiency of own produce for household consumption. Overall scenario showed that 59.91% of holdings reported that they are insufficient in food from their own produce. So, how are farmers coping with year round insufficiency of food? Income earned through own non-agricultural business, wage earnings (within district and outside district), pension, borrowings and other means of earning are adopted by many of the farmers for livelihood.
Province
Total number of holdings
Percentage of holdings reporting insufficiency of own produce for household consumption
Province 1
717148
57.01
Province 2
672927
57.69
Province 3
658776
54.28
Province 4
413300
67.80
Province 5
697293
56.66
Province 6
261770
74.71
Province 7
409879
65.85
NEPAL
3831093
59.91
Source: NATIONAL SAMPLE CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE 2011/12
‘A declining long term trend in public investment particularly in agricultural support and productivity limits the productive capability in the agriculture and its ability to benefit from the rise in output prices.’ (Prof. Dr. Pyakuryal Bishwamber ; ‘Nepal’s Development Tragedy Threats and Possibilities’)
However declining, Nepal’s agriculture sector still has highest share in GDP. And there is still huge number of population depending on agriculture for livelihood. To fill the investment gap in agriculture and productivity an urgent review of investment financing strategy is needed.
Covid-19 pandemic has changed the teaching and learning process. Online education and distance learning is evolved as a global education practice due to the COVID pandemic. COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on March 11 2020 by World Health Organization (WHO). Since then many countries announced lock down. Millions of students got locked down at places where they are. Nepal announced full lock down on 24th March. Prior to this, Government of Nepal announced cancellation of Secondary Education Examination (SEE). Board exams of class XI got suspended and class XII is postponed till another notice.
Along with many other sectors education sector is highly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, industries, market and offices re-opened after 90 days lock down, education institutions are still under full shut down. Some private schools started Online Classes using Zoom, Google meet as supportive applications. Similarly, TV/Local Cable stations and radio/FM stations are also teaching students through live sessions as optional teaching method. These methods of teaching through different media are targeted for students of public school in the remote. But teaching students through optional method is a big challenge in our context. There is a large vacuum regarding facilities necessary for online and other distance learning medium. Internet, TV, radio, FM and mobile phones are basic services and devices to initiate online and distance education.
Table below shows percentage distribution of various facilities available in households.
Residence/Facilities
Radio
Television
Computer
Internet
Telephone
Mobile Phone
Cable Television
Nepal
51.7
37.1
7.4
3.4
7.5
65.8
19.7
Urban
54.2
61.4
23.9
12.3
22.9
85
54.4
Rural
51.1
31.3
3.4
1.3
3.8
61.2
11.3
Mountain
57.8
15.1
1.4
0.5
2.8
47.7
5.6
Hill
60
37
11.1
5.6
10.2
68.7
26.2
Terai
42
40.3
4.6
1.6
5.5
65.4
15.2
As per the table above only 3.4% of households have access to internet facility. Majority of household with access to internet facility is concentrated in urban centers. However, mobile phones are most common possession now day’s only 65.8% household in Nepal has mobile phones. Out of which 85% are urban and 61.2% are rural. Similarly only 19.7% households have access to cable TV, 7.4% have Computer and 51.7% have access to radio facility. (Population Monograph of Nepal, 2014, Vol III)
There are still many students who do not have access to any form of above mentioned media. Not just in the rural area, even urban dwellers have no access to modern gadgets. These data clarifies that online or distance learning is a big challenge in our context. Next, out of total students enrolled in various levels and school, only 26% students are in institutional schools. Currently, 74% students enrolled to public schools are unable to get proper education due to COVID pandemic. Besides most of the public schools are turned in to quarantine centers.
Child and Family Tracker survey by UNICEF Nepal shows that more than two-thirds of school children are deprived of distance learning. Only three out of 10 children have access to television, radio and Internet-based learning platforms. Among them, only 80 per cent of children use distance learning platforms for their learning activities. Survey further shows that poorer the household, the less likely it is that children can access or will use distance learning. The data shows that only five per cent of children in the poorest households have access to and use distance learning.
To overcome with the problem of education sector during pandemic Nepal government has developed COVID-19 Education Cluster Contingency Plan 2020 (ECCP). Three education-specific scenarios is anticipated by the ECCP in case of extended school closure; (i) up to mid-July, (ii) up to September 2020, and (iii) for the majority or entire duration of the 2020-21 academic year.
Table below developed by ECCP shows a projection of affected children i.e. how many children will be affected or will be in need of support.
Level
Affected population
Projected increase in drop-out (in the three scenarios) #colspan#
Children with internet access
Children with access to media
Children with no access to media
Children most vulnerable/ at risk
1
2
3
3-4 years (ECED/PPE)
973900
77912
194780
292170
128044
474102
280080
129599
5-9 years (Grade 1-5)
3672155
282737
706843
1060264
462869
1789717
1078690
468202
10-12 years (grade 6-8)
1820943
160700
401751
602626
233073
886417
523772
207304
13-14 years (grade 9-10)
1027512
33593
83983
125974
132151
500890
294331
119862
15-16 years (grade 11-12)
631536
20237
50593
75889
83257
307143
181086
70123
Total
8126046
575179
1437949
2156923
1093394
3958270
2357959
995090
Table above shows an alarming picture of school level education. If entire duration of the 2020-21 academic years is lost, number of drop-out students will be more than 2.15 million. Similarly, 8.12 million children will be affected due to school closure. Specially, many girls will discontinue education. In the past few years Nepal has gained a lot of praise for high enrollment of new students, especially girls, to schools. The challenge still remains. COVID-19 pandemic has added more challenge to enrollment of new students to school and dropout rate is projected to increase due to school closure.
Remote Learning Reachability Report published by UNICEF urges governments to prioritize the safe re-opening of schools when they begin easing lockdown restrictions. When reopening is not possible, UNICEF urges governments to incorporate compensatory learning for lost instructional time into school continuity and reopening plans. School opening policies and practices must include expanding access to education, including remote learning, especially for marginalized groups. Education systems must also be adapted and built to withstand future crises.
