Availability and use status of plant genetic diversities from forests for food, nutrition and livelihood security. A case from Chepang tribal communities of Nepal
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/20425941211244298 |
| Published date | 31 May 2012 |
| Date | 31 May 2012 |
| Pages | 147-158 |
| Author | Bed Prasad Khatiwada,Bhim Chaulgain,Surendra Osti |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
Availability and use status of
plant genetic diversities from
forests for food, nutrition and
livelihood security
A case from Chepang tribal communities
of Nepal
Bed Prasad Khatiwada
ActionAid International, Kathmandu, Nepal
Bhim Chaulgain
SECARD Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal, and
Surendra Osti
University of Florida, Quincy, Florida, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paperis to explore the availability and use status of plant species and
theirgenetic diversitiesfrom local forestsand uncultivatedlands in the context ofthree differentChepang
ethnic communities of Nepal. In the current context of increased threats upon the natural resources to
meet increased food demand, unsustainable harvest is also practised, leading to unavailability of the
diversities, thus conservation and sustainable harvest were compared along with contribution of those
neglected and underutilized species for food, nutrition and livelihood security of the local dwellers.
Design/methodology/approach – This research was done by using multi-stage random sampling
of 15 households from each village development committee (VDC), namely Shaktikhor, Kaule and
Siddhi of Chitwan district of Nepal. The farmers’ participation in this study was ensured through
participatory research methods, including g roup discussions (GD) and other Participatory Rural
Appraisal (PRA) tools. In addition, field observations, household interviews and consultation with
experts were used in this study.
Findings – The Chepang communitywas found to possess immenseknowledge on forest productsand
crop landracesand utilize the various plantsfor food and medicine. The underutilized specieswere used
by the local people in different forms (food, vegetables, medicine, and for cultural and economical
reasons).The uses of 46 underutilized plant species weredocumented, including 25 species withmultiple
functionsas food, vegetables, and medicines. The overall contribution was about2.7 months a year, with
a significant difference between Siddhi (3.8months), Shaktikhor (2.4 months) and Kaule(1.9 months).
Research limitations/implications – This research was an exploratory action research covering
only 45 households from three VDCs and is not an adequate sample size considering population size.
Due to differences in the altitude, farm and family size, level of education, the number of species
availability and uses may differ and this research needs to be replicated covering different seasons,
years and more respondents.
Originality/value – This piece of research is original and conducted by three researchers working
with different institutions. This strongly showed a gradual loss of the plant genetic diversities due to
inability of the state, through its policy and programs, to recognize the contribution of those species in
food, nutrition and livelihood security of vulnerable populations. The state should emphasize on
research, education and technology development for those undermined crops, despite their huge
contribution to the livelihood system.
Keywords Nepal, Plants, Forests, Nutrition, Ethnic minorities, Food, Livelihoods, Food security,
Underutilized species, Chepang community
Paper type Research p aper
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
WorldJour nal of Science, Technology
and Sustainable Development
Vol. 9 No.2, 2012
pp. 147-158
rEmeraldGroup Publishing Limited
2042-5945
DOI 10.1108/20425941211244298
147
Availability of
plant genetic
diversities
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