Agriculture contributes one-third of the national GDP in Nepal (CBS, 2016), 23% in Pakistan (Plecher, 2019), and 17% in Bhutan (NSB, 2018). It employs 65%, 60%, and 44% of the population in Nepal (CBS, 2016), Bhutan, and Pakistan (FAO, 2019), respectively. Agriculture is immensely affected by climate change (CC) in these countries. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been identified as a sustainable solution to CC challenges in agriculture; however current efforts in CSA limit to conventional planning, extension, and dissemination approaches. The effective adoption of CSA requires smart, informed decisions for which the application of geospatial and other information technologies is crucial. The project aimed to integrate geospatial technologies in the CSA planning and management in Nepal and Bhutan with the ultimate goal of mainstreaming this technology in the local and national planning process. Specifically, the project assessed the potential applications of geospatial tools for CSA management in the selected watershed of Nepal, organized the capacity enhancement training sessions for application of geospatial techniques for the best/innovative CSA planning and management and established the field monitoring station. Assess the potential application of geospatial tools for CSA management in the selected watershed in Nepal and Bhutan;
The training program included about 30% theory and 70% hands-on practice. The participants were also taken on a field visit to successful climate-smart farms. As part of practicing the lessons learned, the participants worked in different groups on various themes revolving around CSA and geospatial technologies, including mapping potential agricultural and vulnerable areas based on various bio-physical conditions and other related information. The trainings were resourced by experts from different background, including academia, researchers, practitioners, and software developers from Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
In Nepal, a total of 107 participants, about 40% female and 60% male, representing all 7 provinces of Nepal were trained whereas in Bhutan, a total of 43 participants, about 25% female and 75% male participants, representing from diverse backgrounds and nine of the 20 districts of Bhutan. Furthermore, to manage the spatial data generated from the field and training, a web base platform was developed and established infrastructure for field monitoring that brings together stakeholders for effective communication, knowledge sharing, leading to the adoption of best CSA technologies and practices. The project showcased the dedication of the team towards advancing sustainable practices in agriculture sector and fostering regional collaboration for the benefit of agriculture in the face of climate change challenges.
