As part of an ongoing community-led agroecological research initiative in Pipal Dada–Dhusa, Ichhakamana Rural Municipality, ForestAction Nepal is supporting farmers to revisit traditional farming wisdom and explore its relevance to contemporary agroecological challenges.
For generations, farmers have grown marigold alongside their crops, not only for its beauty and cultural significance, but also because they observed its benefits in helping their fields thrive. Today, scientific research is increasingly confirming what many farmers have long understood: marigold can contribute to ecological pest management, support biodiversity, and improve soil health.
Building on this knowledge, the initiative is examining how marigold can strengthen more diverse, resilient, and ecologically regenerative farming systems. With technical support from ForestAction Nepal, farmers are testing locally adapted varieties, farmer-saved planting materials, and two improved varieties. They are planting marigold along field boundaries and bunds and, in some cases, on dedicated plots, turning underutilized spaces into productive parts of the farm.
Rather than treating marigold simply as a crop, the research combines farmers’ experience with systematic experimentation, observation, and collective learning, generating insights into the ecological functions and performance of different varieties, as well as their emerging market opportunities, while continuing to strengthen local knowledge and agrobiodiversity.
The Institute of Forestry (IoF), Tribhuvan University (TU), Nepal, organised the IoF International Conference from 14–16 August 2026 under the theme “Forestry for the Future: Balancing Conservation, Development, and Human Well-Being.”
ForestAction Nepal had the opportunity to present its research during the plenary session titled “Unlocking Nepal’s Timber Economy,” which explored the foregone and untapped economic potential of Nepal’s forestry sector. The research presented during the session focused on the current status, production potential, and market demand of timber across the country. The findings highlighted the significant gap between Nepal’s available timber potential and its actual production, emphasising the opportunity costs associated with underutilisation in terms of revenue generation and employment opportunities.
Following up the session, another presentation by fellow researcher at ForestAction Nepal was shared on “The political economy of timber in Nepal,” exploring the institutional and political factors that influence timber harvesting and forest management. His presentation examined the roles and power dynamics of key actors, persistent institutional stagnation, competing interests, and political influences affecting timber production. It further examined how existing policies, regulatory frameworks, and operational practices influence Nepal’s timber production potential.
Together, the presentations contributed to a broader discussion on how Nepal can unlock the economic potential of its forestry sector while maintaining sustainable forest management, strengthening governance, generating employment, and promoting the well-being of forest-dependent communities.
Beyond the plenary, ForestAction Nepal researchers also presented their work across the conference’s parallel sessions, contributing to discussions on forest restoration, forest fire management, and forest biometrics.
Research presented under the session, Forest Biometrics and Quantitative Forest Assessment, explored estimating trespassed volume of Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) tree from the stump diameter in Eastern Nepal, offered practical, field-based method for quantifying timber loss from illegal felling, contributing to more accurate assessment of unauthorised harvesting and strengthening forest monitoring efforts in Sal-dominant forests.
Similarly, under the Forest Fire & Post-Fire Recovery session, research on forest fire management assessed the labour costs and risk perceptions associated with fire management activities, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on voluntary community labour and making the case for incentive-based mechanisms that better recognise the risks borne by community members engaged in fire prevention and control.
One of the researcher also presented on Reimagining Forests: Restoration and Social–Ecological Systems, arguing for restoration success to be measured beyond simple forest cover metrics, examining how ecological and social outcomes vary depending on the management regime in place, and offering evidence to inform more nuanced, outcome-based approaches to assessing restoration effectiveness in Nepal.
Similarly, Dr. Lila Nath Sharma contributed under the session on Forest Restoration & Regeneration, presenting on “Reframing Nepal’s forest restoration from cover to biodiversity for resilient landscape.” His presentation argued that cover-centric restoration targets can mask underlying ecological degradation and called for restoration indicators that better capture biodiversity gains and long-term landscape resilience. Dr. Sharma also chaired a parallel session on Climate-Smart Tree-Based Systems for Resilient Landscapes.
Through these contributions, ForestAction Nepal brought evidence-based perspectives and findings to discuss on sustainable and resilient forest management, stregthening links between research, policy and practice. ForestAction Nepal expresses its gratitude to Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University for the valuable organisation of such a timely event.
As part of its ongoing action research initiative, ForestAction, together with the Community Action Group (CAG) of Dhusa, Ichhakamana, Chitwan, has supported a significant step forward in generating locally grounded, evidence-based knowledge on sustainable farming inputs. Through this collaboration, CAG members have successfully prepared vermiwash and vermicompost tea, two potent liquid organic inputs, using earthworms and vermicompost sourced entirely from within their own community, marking a meaningful milestone in the group’s transition toward self-sustained, chemical-free agriculture.
The preparation of vermicompost tea utilized readily available vermicompost as the primary input, while vermiwash was produced through a process involving two types of earthworms: Eisenia foetida, a widely used species in vermiculture, and locally available earthworm species found within the Dhusa farming community. The use of local earthworm species alongside Eisenia foetida reflects the CAG’s commitment to exploring context-specific, resource-efficient approaches that farmers can replicate using what is already present in their environment.
Both products are now set to be applied directly in farmers’ fields, where their efficacy will be tested and observed under real agricultural conditions. This field-based testing is central to the action research approach being adopted by the CAG, one that prioritizes practical, farmer-led experimentation and knowledge generation over conventional top-down extension methods.
This initiative represents a step ahead in the CAG’s broader effort to transform their farming systems into self-sustained models that rely on locally available biological resources rather than externally procured chemical inputs. The findings from these field trials will contribute to building a locally relevant body of evidence that can inform and inspire wider adoption of vermiculture-based inputs among farming communities in Chitwan and beyond.
On 23 May 2026, ForestAction Nepal, serving as the Secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), successfully concluded a “Media Dialogue and Interaction Program” focused on contemporary agricultural issues in Shankharapur, Kathmandu. The program brought together around thirty participants, including journalists from various media houses and newspapers, members of the secretariat, youth practitioners, agricultural advocates, and alliance members.
Centering on agroecology and sustainable agriculture, the interaction featured open and participatory discussions on the diverse challenges facing Nepal’s food and agricultural systems. The program also emphasized the effective role of the media and journalists in helping identify possible solutions to these challenges and contributing to meaningful change. The discussion session was facilitated by activist Mr. Teeka Bhattarai.
Participants extensively discussed a wide range of pressing issues, including seed sovereignty, the existing agricultural subsidy system, the impacts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on soil and public health, and the rationale behind the government’s plan to operate chemical fertilizer factories. Deliberations also focused on the impacts of federalism and existing agricultural structures on smallholder farmers, particularly the challenges and difficulties faced at the grassroots level. Other key areas of discussion included the preservation and promotion of indigenous knowledge and organic farming practices, the growing impact of wildlife on agriculture, increasing dependence on agricultural imports, and the current situation of land tenure.
The interaction further explored measures to encourage youth participation in agriculture, along with the policy reforms necessary to support their engagement in agriculture and food system transformation. Discussions also focused on agricultural budget priorities and the broader influence of journalism and media in shaping agricultural discourse and policy.
Questions and queries raised by journalists during the session were addressed by Mr. Uddhav Adhikari, Coordinator of AAF. Further queries and concerns were addressed by Mr. Dipesh Nepal, a youth agriculture practitioner, along with other AAF members. Speaking on behalf of the media fraternity, Mr. Kiran Acharya, Chairperson of ANAJ (Association of Nepali Agricultural Journalists), emphasized the crucial responsibility of the media in presenting farmers issues to the public in a responsible, factual, and impactful manner.
The program ultimately underscored the urgent need for stronger collaboration among policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and the media sector to build a sustainable, self-reliant, and farmer-friendly agricultural system.
Nepal is often known for its forward-looking climate policies, along with strong advocacy of climate finance agenda in the global forums, pitching for international climate finances to build community resilience and enhance adaptive capacity. Besides being one of the top 10 vulnerable countries in the world, it is also among the first countries in the world to institutionalise climate budget tagging (CBT) in 2012, a system designed to classify and track public expenditure on climate change. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has been leading the implementation of CBT. The tagging system is applied at the project level rather than at the activity level. Under the system, projects are categorised based on their contribution to climate action as Direct, Indirect, or Neutral, and further classified into areas such as Adaptation, Mitigation, or mixed benefits. To strengthen climate finance management and tracking, the MoF approved the Climate Change Financing Framework (CCFF) in 2017.
Nepal’s Climate Change Policy, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) have reinforced commitments to climate resilience and low-carbon development. The government has also promoted Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPA) framework to ensure bottom-up planning and vows to disburse 80% of the climate finance at the local level.
On paper, the system and frameworks are impressive and aligned with the best global practices and grounded in strong institutional thinking.
However, the ground reality tells a different story.
A system that exists, but is barely used
Across municipalities, consultations with local government officials revealed a consistent pattern: climate budget tagging exists, but it is rarely used in practice. In many cases, officials are either unaware of the system or have not received the training needed to apply effectively. Governments have made limited institutional efforts to embed CBT within local planning and budgeting processes.
This doesn’t mean climate related initiatives are not progressing. Municipalities regularly allocate budgets to sectors such as energy, agriculture, forestry, and natural resources management. However, these expenditures are not systematically tagged, tracked, or reported as climate finance. As a result, a substantial portion of climate-relevant investment remains unrecognised within formal systems.
A closure look at municipal budgets illustrates this gap. In Devchuli and Gaidakot municipalities, a preliminary analysis using the CBT framework suggests that approximately 10-15% of annual budget could be classified as climate relevant. Yet, in the absence of formal tagging, these figures remain unofficial and invisible in reporting.
Local officials themselves acknowledge this gap. One municipal officer noted, “The activities are happening, we now realised that they are climate relevant, but they are not recorded as climate actions/interventions so far.” He further added, “We prepare annual plans through participatory approach, but to my knowledge, climate tagging has not been used.” Similarly, planning officials emphasised that integrating CBT is possible, but only if technical training is provided before the planning process begins.
Climate Finance Mobilization and Distribution
Why tracking matters?
At first glance, this might look like a technical issue. But it has broader implications.
Without proper tracking:
– It becomes difficult to assess how much Nepal is investing in climate action
– The effectiveness of those investments remains unclear
– Opportunities to attract additional climate finances, especially from international sources, are reduced
Global climate finance is increasingly tied to transparency, performance and accountability. Funds like Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund expect vulnerable countries like Nepal not just make commitment but demonstrate measurable outcomes. If Nepal cannot clearly show where and how climate finance is being used, it risks losing those opportunities.
The question of equity: Who benefits from climate finance?
Nepal’s climate policies consistently emphasise support for the most vulnerable groups i.e., poor households, women, marginalised communities, and those living in climate sensitive areas. But when spending is not clearly tracked, it becomes difficult to ensure that these groups are being prioritised and benefitted. The question is; Is climate finance accessible to the most vulnerable ones? In current scenario, there is high chance that better connected or more accessible communities may receive more resources, while vulnerable populations in remove areas risk being overlooked. Without a clear system to monitor and prioritise funding, equity can easily become an aspiration rather than a reality. The absence of implementing climate budget tagging during the planning process further reinforces this imbalance.
A growing dilemma for the future
As global climate funds increasingly emphasise results-based financing, transparency, and accountability, Nepal’s ability to access and utilise these resources will depend on its capacity to track and demonstrate climate expenditures and outcomes.
Here lies the dilemma, Nepal has already developed policy and institutional framework to track climate finance, which are hardly practiced. At times when global climate finance is expanding, Nepal could struggle to access it – not because the money is not available, but because mechanism to track and demonstrate its use are not fully operational. If local governments cannot show how climate investments are being made and what impact they are having, it becomes harder to justify and tap available funding opportunities, particularly from international sources.
Bridging and closing the gap
If climate finance is to reach those who need it most, the focus must shift from introducing tools to making them work in practice. Otherwise, the equitable climate finance will remain a promise, rather than a reality.
Nepal has already taken a step by designing a robust policy framework for climate finance. The next challenge is ensuring that it works in everyday practice. Ultimately, climate finance is not just about policies or budgets – it’s about whether support reaches the communities that need it most. If systems remain underused, the promise of climate finance will stay on paper. But if they are put into practice, they can become a powerful tool for building resilience where it matters most.
The solution lies not in creating new policies, regulations and institutions, but in putting them into practice. Priorities should be given to;
– Raise awareness and building technical capacity among local government officials on climate budget tagging and climate-responsive planning
– Integrate CBT into municipal budgeting systems and guidelines, ensuring it becomes a part of routine practice
– Strengthen monitoring and reporting systems to improve transparency and accountability
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This blog is based on reflection from municipal level consultation workshops under Climate Action Financing Through Women and Social Enterprises (CaFiN) project funded by IDRC through CPI.
On May 8, 2026, ForestAction Nepal, serving as the secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food, convened a timely and thought-provoking policy dialogue in Kathmandu titled “Fertilizers in Agriculture: Chemical or Organic?” Facilitated by prominent senior journalist Tikaram Yatri and broadcast across his media platforms, the event brought together distinguished soil experts, government officials, policy analysts, agriculture activists, and young entrepreneurs to deliberate on one of the most pressing policy questions facing Nepal’s agricultural sector today.
The crux of the discussion centered on whether Nepal’s immediate agricultural priority should lie in chemical or organic pathways, especially in light of the government of Nepal’s declared intention to establish a domestic chemical fertilizer factory. Esteemed panelists, including Dr. Ram Krishna Shrestha (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development), Dr. Chandra Prasad Risal (Chief Soil Scientist), Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel (Agriculture Expert), and Dipesh Nepal (Agroecology Practitioner), dissected the long-term ecological and financial implications of chemical dependency. Commentaries from Hon. Dr. Sujata Tamang (Member of Parliament) and Uddhav Adhikari (Coordinator of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food) further enriched the dialogue, grounding the policy debate in grassroots realities.
The deliberations highlighted a critical structural trap in modern farming: while chemical inputs like urea historically boosted short-term yields, they have created a vicious cycle where soil productivity steadily declines over time, forcing farmers to use increasingly higher doses on increasingly acidic and degraded land. Panelists reviewed Nepal’s forty-year history of fertilizer subsidies, noting how external market pressures and historical dependencies have compromised both national fiscal health and soil vitality. While acknowledging that an immediate, absolute halt to chemical inputs could trigger short-term food security shocks, the overwhelming consensus called for a systematic, future-oriented roadmap to phase down chemical reliance in favor of sustainable agroecological practices. The program concluded with a powerful call to action for the government to critically review its chemical factory plans and instead pivot toward policies that protect Nepal’s public health, soil longevity, and long-term economic sovereignty.
