https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14356/3038 2026-07-01T07:48:18Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14356/3066 Title: Nepal’s journey towards zero hunger: the triple challenge of Food Security, food self-sufficiency and economic prosperity Authors: Pahari, Krishna PhD; Neupane, Hari Sharma PhD; Adhikari, Jagannath PhD; Manandhar, Rija; Singh, Manjeshwori PhD; Gaihre, Ram Hari; Regmi, Punya Prasad PhD Abstract: Executive Summary: Eliminating hunger is a top priority globally, as well as in Nepal. Nepal has made significant progress in improving household food security as well as nutrition of its population, as evidenced by the analysis of national-level survey data as well as internationally available data. At present, Nepal is at a moderate level of hunger with a global hunger index score of 14.8. The prevalence of undernourishment has decreased significantly from 17 percent in 2000 to 5.7 percent in 2023. Stunting of children under the age of five has decreased from 57 percent in 2001 to 25 percent in 2022, while the underweight of children under five has decreased from 48.3 percent to 18.7 percent during the same period. However, micronutrient deficiency remains a major concern in Nepal, with the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) at 34 percent and children under five at 43 percent. A significant improvement has also been observed in food consumption by the populations. Households are now consuming more calories than before, they have a more diverse diet and the consumption of vegetables and fruits, milk and meat has increased significantly in the last two decades. For instance, in 2003/04, the share of calories from cereals in the total caloric consumption by households was 81 percent, followed by oil and fats (5.7%), pulses (3.1%), milk (3.0%), sweets (2.2%), tubers (1.1%), fruits (1.1%) and meat and fish (1.0%). Fast forward to 2022/23, the share of calories from cereals went down to 56 percent while there were significant increases in the shares from oils and fats (12.3%), pulses (6.6%), milk (5.4%), vegetables (3.2%), meat and fish (2.8%), fruits (2.2%), sweets (4.0%) and ready-made food (4.7%). The progress made in improving househoold food security and nutrition is also in line with the significant reduction in national poverty level, which has decreased from 31 percent in 2003/04 to 20 percent in 2022/23. Despite the overall progress at the national level, significant variation exists within the country. For example, Karnali Province has the highest level of household food insecurity and chronic malnutrition with a stunting prevalence of 35.8 percent, while acute malnutrition rates are highest in Lumbini (16.2%, above the WHO emergency thresholds of 15%), followed by Madhesh (10.1%). Prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age and children is most serious in Madhesh at 52.6 percent and 50.6 percent respectively. With increasing consumption, there are also populations facing problems associated with over-consumption, unhealthy food habits and a sedentary lifestyle, particularly in urban areas. Nepal is now facing a triple burden of malnutrition – undernutrition, obesity and micronutrient deficiencies. Despite the steady progress in household food consumption and nutrition, which needs to be further accelerated, Nepal remains highly vulnerable on several accounts. Firstly, the agricultural production is not keeping pace with the increasing food demands of the growing population. Even though more than 60 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture, Nepal depends heavily on imports even to meet its basic food needs. This is of serious national concern. Secondly, despite the reduction in poverty, the overall performance of the economy has been very disappointing. The GDP per capita in Nepal at USD 1,496, is little over one half of that in India, and about one tenth of China; and is growing at a pace slower than its neighbours. The economy is heavily dependent on remittances from millions of migrants working in different parts of the world due to the lack of adequate livelihood opportunities within the country. The recent political upheaval led by the youth could be a reflection of frustration with the lack of employment opportunities for the working population and the overall poor governance. With share of remittance accounting for about a quarter of the national GDP, the economy is highly vulnerable to external shocks. Remittances, social protection and improvement in basic services such as road, health services and schooling, have been the key contributors to improved food security and nutrition. While social protection has had a positive impact, the increasing cost of social protection has put pressure on the fiscal situation, with the total annual expenditure on social protection reaching almost the same level as the capital expenditure. Looking at the trends so far, globally, it is no longer realistic to expect to achieve Zero Hunger targets by 2030. In Nepal, despite the progress made so far, meeting those targets appears to be a daunting task though it may be possible to attain targets on some indicators with accelerated efforts. Among them, it could be possible to bring the prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) to a minimal hunger level (below 2.5 percent) with enhanced efforts. Reducing the global hunger index score from the current moderate level (14.8) to a low level (<10.0) could be very challenging and would require serious efforts. Similarly, reducing stunting prevalence to below 15 percent, half of the level compared to 2015, could still be a daunting task. Recommendations Nepal is grappling with the triple challenge of achieving food security, food self-sufficiency, and economic prosperity that generates livelihoods and income opportunities. All efforts should be dedicated to addressing these challenges. Food security and nutrition: Major efforts are needed in addressing food insecurity and stunting, particularly in areas like Karnali Province, and in improving acute malnutrition in Lumbini, Madhesh and Sudurpaschim. Stunting prevention requires a life cycle approach, while acute malnutrition can be improved with focussed interventions for a relatively short period. Urgent steps should be taken to address anaemia in Nepal, particularly in Lumbini, Madhesh and Sudurpaschim provinces. Multi-sectoral, coordinated efforts should be made for intervention in all steps of the food chain with a food systems approach. A well-coordinated, targeted approach is needed for a more effective social protection system. Food self-sufficiency: Nepal should strive to be self-sufficient in basic food needs by 2030, and aim to be a net food exporter. This is achievable by aiming at an agricultural growth rate of 5 percent to 7 percent per annum, reducing post-harvest loss, and with appropriate policy measures put in place for providing market access to domestic production. Economic prosperity: Concrete steps must be taken towards boosting economic growth, creating decent livelihoods and income opportunities inside the country for the working age populations. One of the main challenges in the implementation of programmes directed to the attainment of SDGs, including the Zero Hunger, has been the inadequate funding. Going forward, this is likely to be even more challenging with the deteriorating funding landscape, given Nepal’s heavy reliance on foreign assistance. Therefore, renewed efforts must be made to ensure adequate funding for critical programmes on food security and nutrition. This can be achieved by prioritizing government allocation and adopting proactive, smart approaches to attract international funding. All of these efforts require a robust governance system. Description: Nepal Development Research Institute Sanepa, Lalipur, Nepal Telephone: +977-1-5454975, 5437362 Email: info@ndri.org.np Web: www.ndri.org.np Policy Research Institute Narayanhiti, Kathmandu, Nepal E-mail: info@pri.gov.np Web.: www.pri.gov.np Phone: +977 1 4530517/4534979 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14356/3059 Title: Social protection, challenges and prerequisites: a study of prime minister’s employment program in Nepal Authors: Karna, Sujeet, Dr. Abstract: Abstract: Social security programs are integral to realize the constitution’s goal of achieving inclusive economic development, equity and democracy-based socialism in Nepal. The major political parties have shown a strong commitment towards social security and protection. The programs have seen gradual expansion over the years and have seen good share in total government expenditure. This is a step in the right direction to ensure social security and protection of the people. However, inadequate human resources, planning and coordination have constrained its effectiveness. In long run, the sustainability of social security programs, for example, the old age pensions, depends on the Social Security Fund’s ability to make productive investments and its ability to adjust to changing demographic parameters. Policymakers need to learn from the experience of other countries including the OECD where population ageing due to the demographic shift has posed increased pressure on public finance. In those countries, the long-run sustainability of the pension system is at the center of policy debates. In Nepal, in recent past, new initiatives have been taken to ensure and include a larger population in social security. For instance, politically ambitious Prime Minister’s Employment Program can be viewed among one of them. In this study, while discussing various aspects of social security measures, an attempt is made to explore what is desired for policy improvement in overall social protection policy of Nepal while taking a case of newly introduced PM employment program. Description: This study was conducted between BS 2075/10/18 and 2076/4/15. The report was prepared and submitted before the approval of PRI’s research and publication formats and quality control procedures. The views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of or endorsement by PRI. 2019-07-19T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14356/3041 Title: State of research ethics compliance in Nepal's higher education institutions Authors: Pant, Dipendra Prasad; Acharya, Bikram; Kattel, Mukunda Raj Abstract: Executive Summary: Education creates new knowledge and skills necessary for a society’s advancement and transformation by transmitting cultural heritage from one generation to the next and adding innovation to traditional knowledge. The transfer of knowledge and skills takes place tacitly as well as explicitly. The modern education system, symbolized by schools, universities and academies, has evolved to generate and impart knowledge and skills explicitly. This evolution draws as much on the reflections of the past (of traditional education) as on the needs of the present and challenges of the future. While the ancient/traditional system centred around moral education (drawing on traditional customs and religion), at the heart of the modern education system is innovation, which is triggered by the fusion of science and technology under the aegis of educational institutions, primarily universities. Innovation requires new knowledge generated through research that maintains a high degree of academic integrity, a state characterized by a research process that is ‘morally’ or ‘ethically’ right and ‘scientifically’ robust. While a research study sound in academic integrity is believed to produce credible knowledge, a study that compromises academic integrity is doubted to be reliable. Innovative knowledge helps build the human capital that serves as the principal determinant of growth and prosperity. The human resources that are informed of overall sociopolitical contexts and issues and market dynamics are the human capital on which the foundation of economic development rests. Such human resources also serve as a trigger for innovation. How Nepal’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) fare in terms of innovative knowledge generation is a matter of public concern. As the centre of research and excellence, they are expected to have an enabling environment. If they are found wanting, they should create one. The research study was undertaken with this curiosity and expectation by situating research practices of HEIs in the history of Nepal’s higher education and the institutional and normative arrangements that have been developed over the decades. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14356/3040 Title: foreign direct investment in Nepal: perspective of primary agricultural stakeholders Authors: Pant, Dipendra Prasad; Acharya, Bikram; Kattel, Mukunda Raj Abstract: Executive Summary: Speedy economic growth is at the heart of Nepal’s post-conflict periodic plans. Agriculture, hydroelectricity, tourism and the labour force have been identified as the key drivers of economic growth. However, despite efforts by both the governments and the private sector to exploit these pillars over the years, the overall progress has not matched aspirations and expectations. The failure to mobilise resources for export-oriented projects is said to be the main reason behind this lacklustre economic performance. For several years, Nepal has planned to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in big infrastructures and large-scale production. The Fifteenth Plan of the country envisions building a competitive and dynamic national economy through the enhancement of products, productivity and competitiveness. To that end, it aims to attract and increase the volume of foreign investment, including FDI. Driven by the quest for bringing in foreign investment, the Government of Nepal (GoN) amended – on 4 January 2021 – the Foreign Investment and Transfer of Technology Act (FITTA) opening the previously banned primary sector of agricultural production – poultry farming, fisheries, bee-keeping, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, pulse seeds and dairy products – to FDI. However, the move met angry remarks from farmers, their associations and small-scale agro-investors. The study was conducted on this background, with the overall objective to unpack why the decision to open the primary sector of agricultural production has become debatable. The study has engaged the combination of primary and secondary data that includes a national policy dialogue with primary stakeholders and books, reports and newspaper commentaries. Macroeconomic data consulted for the study suggests that FDI has both positive and negative experiences. It has brought benefits to some countries and has created harmful consequences on some others. However, in the absence of a specific monitoring mechanism on the impact of FDI, there is no sector-wise data on which to build a definitive assessment as to which sectors are good and cost-effective and where caution is warranted. The views and concerns of agricultural stakeholders align with the macroeconomic data. While FDI is necessary for economic growth, most of the stakeholders argue, opening agriculture to FDI before putting in place necessary infrastructure – transport systems, technology, skilled human resources, managerial efficiency, and so on – will only harm small farmers and the subsistence economy they have been nurturing. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z