Author: Sanjeev Gurung

World Soil Day 2025 was celebrated globally on December 5 under the theme “Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities.” To mark the occasion, ForestAction Nepal, serving as the secretariat for the Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), organized a special youth-focused event titled “Mato Bahas” (Dialogue on Soil) in Kathmandu. The program brought together around 30 students from diverse academic backgrounds, including Agriculture, Forestry, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Education, Environment, and Climate Studies, along with soil expert Dr. Bhava Prasad Tripathi and members of AAF.

The event began with an engaging participatory activity called “Vote for Soil.” Two soil samples, one from a forest (Soil Sample A) and another from a heavily cultivated field (Soil Sample B), were placed in separate boxes. In the first round, participants were asked to choose the “better” soil based solely on touch, without seeing the samples. During the discussion that followed, many shared that they had preferred Soil Sample A because it felt finer, moister, and richer in organic matter, with noticeable leaf particles.

In the second round, participants were allowed to see and smell the samples, and Soil Sample A once again received the highest votes. Its natural earthy aroma stood in sharp contrast to Soil Sample B, which lacked any distinct smell. This collective observation led to a key conclusion: forest soil is more vibrant and biologically active, whereas the cultivated field soil, exposed to heavy use of chemical fertilizers, has become comparatively depleted.

Following the activities and discussion, education specialist Tika Bhattarai emphasized the need to integrate soil awareness into education, reminding participants that soil is a living entity that must be protected. Soil expert Dr. Bhava Prasad Tripathi highlighted the urgency of reducing chemical inputs and promoting practices that enhance soil organic matter and vitality. Similarly, agriculture expert and activist Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel stressed that soil forms the foundation of human life and that safeguarding it is a shared responsibility.

The program concluded with remarks from AAF activist Sujata Tamang, who highlighted the critical role of youth in restoring and preserving soil health. She encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully from their respective fields and capacities to ensure healthier soil and healthier cities, in the years ahead.

ForestAction Nepal is excited to begin a series of multistakeholder consultations to strengthen local-level forest fire management. The first rounds of discussions in Shailung and Chautara brought together an inspiring range of actors—local governments, Division Forest Offices, security agencies, FECOFUN, community forest user groups, and local leaders who are all
committed to protecting our forests and communities.

These consultations mark an important step toward building a coordinated, inclusive, and informed approach to forest fire prevention, preparedness, and response. By bringing diverse voices to the same table, we aim to co-create practical solutions rooted in local realities and collective action.

ForestAction Nepal, in partnership with the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) and Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Australian Embassy, Nepal, are working in two Palikas to support the collaborative, community-centered action on forest fire prevention and response.
Together, we can strengthen resilience, protect our forests, and ensure safer communities.

Fore more details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEfuHSiF9rU

 

ForestAction Nepal organised a Policy Lab held on 30 Nov 2025 in Bhalubang, Dang, bringing together participants from the stakeholders’ field visit, the Provincial Ministry of Forests and Environment, Lumbini Province, the Provincial Forest Directorate, Lumbini Province, Divisional Forest Officers of Dang, Gautam Buddha, Deukhuri and Pyuthan, forest-based entrepreneurs, and representatives of FECOFUN at the provincial level. The Policy Lab provided a structured space for grounded dialogue on the practical challenges faced by forest-based enterprises and the policy and institutional conditions shaping their growth. Building on field-level observations and practitioner experiences, participants examined regulatory bottlenecks, enterprise establishment processes, and opportunities for improving coordination between communities, government agencies, and the private sector. The discussions emphasised the value of learning from practice to inform adaptive policies that can better support enterprise development and sustainable forest management in the province.

With an aim to deepen the understanding of challenges and opportunities pertinent to the evolving timber economy in Nepal, ForestAction Nepal organised a field visit in November for relevant stakeholders in the forestry sector. A range of forest-based enterprises in Makwanpur, Chitwan, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, and Nawalparasi were visited.

The visit concluded with a Ban Chautari event, which brought together representatives from the Province Ministry (Bagamati) of Forests and Environment, Province Forest Directorate, research institutions, universities (TU & AFU), forestry networks including Province FECOFUN and FENFIT, civil society organisations, and Division Forest Officers from Makwanpur, Sindhuli, Marin, Rapti, and Chitwan.The dialogue focused on understanding the potential vs. actual production of Nepal’s forest resources and identifying pathways to bridge the gap for a more sustainable and productive timber economy.

 

Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) partnered with ForestAction Nepal in implementing the Australian awards fellowship on strengthening capacity to respond to climate-induced forest fires in Nepal, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The month-long (2 Oct 2025 to 2 Nov 2025) fellowship enabled participants from Nepal, including ForestAction Nepal researchers, Madan Bashyal and Aayush Gautam, to engage in technical workshops, field visits, and expert exchanges in Australia, gaining insights into scientific fire management, early warning systems, community-based preparedness, and integrated fire management. The collaboration strengthened institutional linkages between Australian and Nepalese governmental, non-governmental and civil organisations and generated practical knowledge that can be adapted to Nepal’s context to enhance forest fire preparedness, climate resilience, and sustainable forest management.

 

On the occasion of the 45th World Food Day and the 18th International Rural Women’s Day, a special dialogue, targeting youth, rural women farmers and policymakers, was conducted on 15^th October 2025, at the premises of the Department of Agriculture, Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur. The event was organised by ForestAction Nepal, the secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), in collaboration with AAF members and the 45^th World Food Day Committee, Government of Nepal.

Held under the theme “Hands in Hand for better foods and a better future”, the program witnessed the participation of around 200 attendees, including Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Director General, Deputy Director Generals, Officers and other staff of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Livestock Services, the Agriculture Information and Training center and heads and representatives of various government bodies, Agricultural Development Officers from local levels,  representatives of I/NGOs, civil society groups, AAF members,  rural women farmers, representatives from agricultural cooperatives and farmers’ groups, agri-entrepreneurs, young farmers, students, professors, media persons/journalists, and other stakeholders.

The program was inaugurated with a welcome speech from Ms. Anita Basnet, Vice President of the National Farmers Group Federation (NFGF), and was chaired by Mr. Uddhav Adhikari, Coordinator of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food. The Chief Guest of the event was Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

The program was conducted in two sessions. The first session, focused on the theme “Roadmap of Nepalese Agriculture”, featuring a presentation and an interactive discussion. Mr. Uddhav Adhikari, Coordinator of the AAF, presented an overview of current agricultural issues, future pathways, and strategies for sustainable agricultural development. Following his presentation, Mr. Thakur Bhandari, Chairperson of the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN); Mr. Prayas Adhikari, a climate activist; Dr. Ram Krishna Shrestha, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development; and Ms. Rita Bastakoti, a lead women farmer, shared their perspectives as commentators, highlighting interlinkages among forest, climate, and agricultural development, and the crucial role of women in agriculture. The session concluded with remarks from Mr. Prakash Sanjel, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, who moderated and summarised the key discussion points and outcomes of the session.

The second session featured a panel discussion on the theme “Youth Engagement in Agriculture.” Panelists included Mr. Gaurav Neupane, Agricultural Development Officer of Khairahani Municipality, Chitwan; Ms. Nima Yangchen Hyolmo, a woman Agri-entrepreneur; Ms. Sarita Tharu, an agricultural journalist; and Mr. Dipesh Nepal, a Gen-Z farmer. The session was moderated by educator Mr. Tika Bhattarai.

The panelists shared their experiences, insights, and the challenges faced by agricultural technicians in government institutions, as well as by field practitioners and farmers. They also discussed practical solutions to recurring issues, highlighted social perceptions regarding youth involvement in agriculture, and explored the scope of natural farming. In addition, the conversation covered market opportunities and challenges, along with strategies to engage more youth in the agricultural sector.

Following the panel discussion, Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, delivered his remarks, emphasising the vital role of youth in transforming the food system and highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to address their concerns. Mr. Lyam Darjee, Chairperson of the National Land Rights Forum, concluded the event by delivering a vote of thanks to all participants.

Alongside the presentations and discussions, various exhibition stalls were displayed within the venue premises, showcasing local and indigenous seeds collected from across the country, as well as art and crafts related to the food system, alternative agricultural technologies, and informative posters, including 3D models of farming systems.

At the end of the event, guests were served local cuisine to promote indigenous food culture and celebrate the country’s rich diversity.

With the aim of fostering an understanding of sustainable farming among the younger generation ForestAction Nepal, a secretariat of Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF) organised a Walking Training to strengthen capacity. As we believe that theoretical and traditional classroom-based knowledge alone is not sufficient to truly understand agriculture. Therefore, three years ago, we adopted a transformative approach through this walking training, where participants learn directly by observing and engaging with farmers’ practical knowledge in the field.

In total, 16 participants, including the organizing team, attended the training. Most of the participants were young graduates in agriculture, while some were still pursuing their studies, and a few came from different academic backgrounds.

This year, a five-day walking training was scheduled from 8–12 September 2025. However, it had to be cancelled after the second day due to nationwide protests led by “Gen Z” across Nepal. Despite this, we successfully completed the first two days of the training.

The training began with a brief introductory session at Lamatar, the starting point of the walking route, where participants were oriented about the purpose of the training. The group discussion provided a platform for participants to explore and highlight contemporary issues in food and agriculture, raise key questions, and share their curiosities about the subject. The discussion revealed how modern farming has become more harmful over time. Our food often contains chemicals that threaten both human health, leading to diseases like cancer, and the environment. To reinforce this message, the participants watched the “Satyamev Jayate” episode on toxic food, which helped them better understand the urgency of transitioning toward natural and sustainable farming practices.

Following the orientation, the journey started from Lamatar to Lakuribhanjyang on the first day. Along the way, participants observed the surrounding forests and discussed how forests are closely connected to agriculture, recognizing that traditional farming practices often emerge from lessons learned through the forest.

On the second day, the walk continue passing from small village bhimsendada way to  Kushadevi, Kavrepalanchok. During the journey, participants interacted with local farmers and learned about their cropping patterns, cultivation methods, and perspectives on sustainable farming. While industrial and modern farming was less visible in the area, participants noticed the declining involvement of young generations in agriculture. They also learned how local seeds are increasingly being replaced by hybrids, yet some villagers continue to conserve local varieties of local seed.

The Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), in collaboration with the Centre for Educational Policies and Practices (CEPP), Dignity Initiative (DI), and the Mahottari Network of Youth, successfully conducted the second series of the Apprenticeship Modular Course on “Social Studies for Madhesh Transformation” from 27^th  to 31^st  August 2025 in Dhanusha.

The training aimed to build the capacity of young people from Madhesh Province to understand and respond to pressing social challenges, particularly in the areas of social and environmental justice, while also promoting personal growth and leadership skills.

The major theme of the second series focused on environment and development. The discussions emphasized that global warming and climate change have deeply impacted the entire world, primarily due to the overexploitation of nature through human activities such as deforestation, industrialization, and the excessive reliance on fossil fuels.

We also emphasis on the theme of state and power, with sessions facilitated by Tula Narayan Saha. He encouraged participants focusing the dynamics of authority, governance, and electoral politics in Madhesh. Through interactive discussions and reflections, participants examined how political structures shape decision-making processes and impact the everyday lives of people in the region. Voices from the margins remain silenced, as those in power continue to control everything.

The sessions on world, environment, consumerism, and climate change offered participants a broader perspective by linking global environmental challenges with local realities. Discussions emphasized how even individual actions can significantly impact nature, highlighting the urgency of adopting sustainable solutions and embracing practices such as reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize excessive consumption and better align with ecological balance.

The training also placed strong emphasis on development and the Chure region, resource exploitation, and environmental degradation in the Chure hills are closely connected to the challenges faced in Madhesh. Discussions highlighted current issues of late rainfall and the government’s announcement of deep boring as a response. Participants reflected that this approach offers only a short-term solution, while the long-term water security of the Terai depends on conserving the Chure, which plays a vital role in natural groundwater recharge.

Beyond classroom sessions, field observations provided exposure to the impacts of climate change on agriculture, such as changing rainfall patterns, soil degradation, and challenges faced by local farmers.

Alongside thematic discussions, the course also covered sessions on practical skills for career growth and guidance on CV writing, career planning, and overall professional development. Through activities centered on self-awareness, empathy, stress management, and interpersonal skills, participants were encouraged to strengthen their resilience and enhance their potential to become future  positive change-makers within their communities.

On the final day, public speaking exercises boosted participants’ confidence, perspectives, and communication skills.Overall, the course not only deepened participants’ understanding of social, environmental, and power issues in Madhesh, but also equipped them with practical skills and personal development tools.