(i) Baseline report for Eco Himal’s Mid Hills project
Ms Roshna Maharjan, 27
Kathmandu University Master’s in Human and Natural Resource Studies
“I am interested to explore both positive and negative impacts of climate change and the best adaptation measures to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. I am interested in exploring local innovative knowledge that communities have been practicing to overcome negative impacts.”
“At present, development projects are sometimes introduced into the community without proper studies As a result many of them fail to address the needs of the community or future impacts. It is vital to have in depth research before launching any projects, whether for environmental or social community development projects.”
Sudeep Manandhar, 30
Kathmandu University: Master’s in Human and Natural Resource Studies
“For development in Nepal, two things are missing: First, research to identify the development needs, the means of satisfying them and policies required. Second, adequately trained human resources to address the problems. Academic policies have successfully distributed degrees but not the appropriate knowledge that could motivate citizens to work for nation building. I would like to contribute to both these missing factors after completing my postgraduate studies, for the development of our nation.”
“This field trip gave me better understanding of rural life and rural problems. I saw several different problems at first hand. As I am interested in developing a career as a researcher, my experience with this trip and processing the data was very helpful.”
(ii) Baseline report for Practical Action’s water project in the Himalayan Foothills
Prajwol Bastakoti, 23
Pokhara University Master’s in Environmental management
“Writing the report and your critical suggestions were of great help for me. More than that, it was good to have the opportunity for a second field visit with Robin Garton and Dr. Craig Hutton from Southampton University. I got to learn lot that I didn't get on my first field visit. You suggestions and criticism not only improved the report but helped me to build me my writing skill and presentation for the future.”
(iii) Post Graduate Students from Tribhuvan University Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS).
Mohan Prasad Khatiwada, 25
Tribhuvan University. Second year MSc. Ag.
“The Majority of Nepalese farmers still practice subsistence farming which was able to meet their whole of year demand in the past. Unfortunately they are not getting the sufficient food in the present years due to long spells of drought and unpredictable rainfall. As a result food insecurity has now become the major livelihood issue throughout the country. This may be due to lack of knowledge about adaptation among the farmers and insufficient intervention from both governmental and non-governmental organizations.”
“After completion of my Master’s I hope to study abroad for a PhD. If that can be achieved, some colleagues and I want to register an organization that will focus on climate change and agriculture. If this is not possible, I have planned to continue research work relating crop science and climate change for food security. This scholarship and its association with Southampton University will help me understand how to research the impact of climate change by widening my knowledge and use of the scientific tools available. For me, this fieldwork grant is like dream come true.”
Ms Parbati Joshi, 26
Tribhuvan University, Second year MSc. Ag. Conservation Ecology
“My Master’s Degree is in environmental science and my thesis researches the impact of climate change on major agricultural crops in Magar community.”
“Because of abnormal variations in climate, productivity of the agricultural crops is declining. As Food security is now a major problem in most marginalized communities including Magar. In order develop solutions, observation and quantification of impact of climate change are highly essential. Very limited works has been done on this, which make our initial research extremely challenging.”
“I want to become a leading researcher on climate change and its impact on agricultural commodities in order to develop suitable management practices and to devote my time and studies to help the marginalized communities. To do this I need the use of different kinds of statistical tools and techniques, for example Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Fortunately, I got the opportunity to learn about GIS during my research which was guided by Dr. Ellie Biggs and Mr. Garry Watmough from Southampton University. I extend my special appreciation to them for their cordial help, valuable suggestions and wonderful company during the study.”