For Environment, Democracy and Livelihoods
ForestAction Nepal organized an interactive program on “Co-creating agroecology roadmap” at Nepal Academy, Kamaladi, Kathmandu on 14th April, 2024. The key speakers in the program were Bharat Mansata, a renowned writer, natural activist, and founder of Vanvadi, a collective forest regenerative initiative, Malvika Solanki, an experienced permaculture designer and practitioner from India, Dr. Pitambar Sharma, a former professor of Geography in Tribhuvan University and Dr. Meena Paudel, sociologist, researcher and activist. The program was attended by government actors, academics, civil society actors, farmers, activists, media personnel, and students.
Major concerns presented in the program
– The energy-intensive agricultural sector is adversely affecting the environment by contributing to biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
– Today’s food production is deficient in nutrients due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
– The declining water table level in the soil is leading to a growing water shortage.
– Treating soil as living is one of the main principles of natural farming.
– Women are primarily engaged in labor within agriculture, while decision-making remains predominantly in the hands of men residing overseas.
– Agricultural markets are not women-friendly.
– Women are traditional nurtures of seeds who play a huge role in saving and selecting seeds.
– The low productivity of crops in Nepal is driving outmigration as it fails to meet the basic needs of families.
– There is a huge gap between agro-based economy and non-agro-based economy.
