Impact of Urbanization on Farmers in Kathmandu
(Case Study of Chapakharka, Shantiban, Sisneri, Khokana, and Tokha Villages)
Summer 2019 - Undergraduate Project
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This research project was sponsored by the Niemitz Grant (Center for Sustainability Education, Dickinson College) for projects investigating the sustainable use of natural resources at an under-served community.
Motivation
Motivation
Kathmandu Valley is one of Nepal's fastest growing region. Lands that were once suitable for agriculture, are gradually being converted into roads, houses, and urban spaces. This research project attempts to investigate the sustainable use of agricultural resources from the perspective of farmers.
The primary data was collected through: surveys and interviews. Survey focused on ranking 12 indicators used to assess farmers' reaction to urban changes, while the interview focused on explaining the reasoning behind these changes and what farmers perceived as to be the future of farming in Kathmandu Valley.
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
1. Fate of the Fields (30:08)
This documentary was the primary output for this project. The theme of this documentary is based around the interview and survey responses given by farmers from five villages in Kathmandu Valley. The video attempts to highlight both the challenges and opportunities introduced by urbanization and discusses critical issues of urban expansion, zoning laws, chemical fertilizers, pesticide use, and the future of farming. Finally, the video provides insight into a "newer" way of farming through 'tunnel farming' to show how farming in Kathmandu valley might still coexist with urbanization and development.
2. Water Monitoring in Chapakharka (12:09)
This documentary is part of a small secondary project based around Water Monitoring in Chapakharka Village. When I went to Chapakharka village to survey and interview my participants, ICIMOD’s Knowledge Park informed me about their water monitoring initiative. This initiative trained local villagers in water monitoring and provided support for villagers to monitor local water sources every 15 days. I wanted to document this journey of water monitoring so that the Knowledge Park could use this video as part of their training and marketing programs.
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