Promoting the adoption of improved ICM technologies in chickpea by poor farmers in Nepal

Stevenson, Philip C., Grzywacz, David, Pande, Suresh, Rao, Narayana, Neupane, Ram Krishna, Chaudhary, Ram N. and Bourai, Vinay A. (2006) Promoting the adoption of improved ICM technologies in chickpea by poor farmers in Nepal. In: Perspectives on pests II: achievements of research under UK Department for International Development Crop Protection Programme 2000–05. Natural Resources International Ltd., Aylesford, UK, pp. 152-154. ISBN 0954645278

Abstract

Chickpea is an important source of protein in Nepal for both poor rural and urban families. Yields of legumes including chickpea have decreased in recent
years, primarily due to disease and insect pest problems, and the reluctance of farmers to invest time and money in a crop which increasingly fails. This project aimed to improve, validate and evaluate a complete integrated crop
management (ICM) strategy for chickpea on farms; to persuade farmers to adopt the strategy through workshops and farm trials in some of the poorest areas of Nepal; and to promote the strategy widely to the press.
and other stakeholders. The improved seed and technologies offered were in high demand by farmers, and the project produced evidence to show that the outputs (increased yield of a cash crop) have been translated into significant impacts on livelihood, including improved housing, debt repayment, education costs, clothes and healthcare. The value of the improved seed has been impressive and will benefit farmers in the longer term. An innovative promotional strategy promoted the findings to policymakers as well as farmers, and used the popular media in Nepal and the UK to publicise the work

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