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Bir Khanal

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I am a Professor of Natural Resources Management. My background is a PhD from University of Copenhagen on “Livelihoods, Forests, and Poverty in the Nepal Himalaya”. Most of my research is concerned with forest poverty linkages, decentralized natural resource (forest) management and its livelihood improvement potential for local communities. Recently, my research area is gradually shifted towards working with forest resources and mathematical modeling and climate change related issues in developing countries. I have been carried out research in collaboration with colleagues and partners from Nepal, Denmark, Japan, Canada and Ethiopia.

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Papers by Bir Khanal

Analysis of rocks, soils and vegetation characteristics of Kankali (Chitwan) and Tibrikot (Kaski) community forests of Nepal

Journal of Nepal Geological Society, Dec 31, 2012

The Dynamics of Pro-Poor Strategies: Analysis of Four Different Community Groups in Nepal

FORMATH, Apr 6, 2019

Adoption of pro-poor strategies through participatory approaches is believed to ensure the benefi... more Adoption of pro-poor strategies through participatory approaches is believed to ensure the benefits of socially disadvantaged groups within the community. This does not only address inequities but also helps with resource conservation. By comparing pro-poor strategies and analyzing the policies of four different community groups in Nepal, this study examined how their policies contributed or hindered the translations of assets into livelihoods outcomes. The study is based on empirical data collected through direct observation, social and resource mappings, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and transects walks. A checklist was prepared to standardize the information gathered from each area. Results show that the pro-poor strategies incorporated in the policies of the local community groups lead to higher level of awareness of the people of their rights. The pro-poor strategies, though not economically harmful to the poor, are not sufficient to address the existing social and economic inequities. There is a need for household level support to pro-poor approaches of the community groups that will directly help the poor translating their assets to sustainable livelihoods.

Prevalence of Nematodes in Rhizosphere of Kiwi Plants (Actinidia deliciosa Chev., 1984) in International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Knowledge Park, Godawari, Lalitpur, Nepal

Agricultural Science Digest – A Research Journal, Oct 1, 2020

Background: Plants harbor many trophic groups of nematodes in them. The plant production is also ... more Background: Plants harbor many trophic groups of nematodes in them. The plant production is also determined by the occurrence of nematodes adjacent to the rhizosphere of plants, such as parasitic, free-living etc. Method: Altogether 60 samples (30 from 20 cm depth and 30 from 30 cm depth) were examined from the Kiwi plants to detect the nematode distribution in Kiwi plants in ICIMOD, Godawari, Lalitpur, Nepal. Overall, 1510 individuals of 10 nematodes genera (both free living/beneficial and parasitic) belonging to four orders were found to be associated with Kiwi plants, among them the highest report was of order Mononchida (44.04%) which was followed by Rhabditida (33.44%), Dorylaimida (17.88%) and Tylenchida (4.64%). The number of nematodes were higher at 20 cm depth than at 30 cm depth. Iotonchus spp. was highest (32.68%) and the number of Helichotylenchus spp. (3.93%) and Mesorhabditis spp. (3.92) were lowest at 20 cm depth. Similarly, Iotonchus spp. was highest (20.13%) and the number of Discolaimus spp. (4.03%) was lowest at 30 cm depth.

Forest Environmental Income and Its Role in Welfare Outcomes: An Empirical Evidence from Rural Nepal

FORMATH, 2014

The paper empirically examines the contribution of forest-environmental income, and its role in w... more The paper empirically examines the contribution of forest-environmental income, and its role in wellbeing outcomes among the forest dependent households in rural Nepal. The results are based on a one-year survey of 303 households that included the detailed information on household demographics, income and assets and the people's perception in the change in their well-being compared to the last five year. To capture likely non-linear dynamics of well-being status, a probit regression model is tested. Overall, forest environmental income contributed an average of 16% of the total household income. Relative environmental reliance decreased with rising income while absolute environmental income increased. The perception of well-being was related to shock exposure and households' endowments to cope with shocks. In particular, households exposed to several consecutive shocks (two or more severe shocks) over the course of five years significantly reported to be worse-off. The limited role of forest in improving the well-beings of the households is associated with their limited access to the resources. Identification of income groups, their expected wealth status, and asset and access constraints that limit economic advance are used to suggest appropriate targets of intervention.

Genetic parameters estimation and evaluation of yield and yield attributing traits of rice genotypes under reproductive drought stress condition

Journal of innovative agriculture, Dec 31, 2022

total variation. Eleven rice genotypes were clustered into three groups where cluster 3 was found... more total variation. Eleven rice genotypes were clustered into three groups where cluster 3 was found to be superior for yield and yield attributing traits. Eight genotypes yielded more than that of check variety where highest yield was recorded by Sukhadhan-4. Rice genotypes under study showed enough genetic diversity hence, indirect selection of traits like flag leaf area, filled grains per panicle, harvest index, plant height, SPAD value and thousand grain weights will be effective for increasing yield.

Importance of Non-farm Income to Community Forest User Households in Rural Nepal

FORMATH, 2017

The paper empirically examines the household-level importance of various income sources and the f... more The paper empirically examines the household-level importance of various income sources and the factors associated with the non-farm work participation of community forest user households in rural Nepal. Data for the study was collected using structured survey of 275 randomly selected households. The income data are presented in absolute and relative terms by different household categories. Determinants of non-farm work participation is tested using probit regression model. Results show that non-farm income constitute an average of 55.5% of the total household income. Non-farm income such as remittances (migration from work abroad) and pensions constitute the most important source of income for all categories of household. Larger sized non-dalits households, which hold relatively larger value of implements and smaller land area show significant association with non-farm work participation. The varying share of the non-farm income to the total household income resulting by the combination of household's individual and socioeconomic characteristics are discussed.The study suggests that typical policies such as improvement in human capital, e.g. improved literacy and skills, and rural infrastructures will remain important for promoting and making the poor benefit from the income opportunities through various non-farm sectors.

Environmental resources reduce income inequality and the prevalence, depth and severity of poverty in rural Nepal

Environment, Development and Sustainability, Jun 22, 2014

ABSTRACT Abstract This paper investigates the economic importance of environmental income to rura... more ABSTRACT Abstract This paper investigates the economic importance of environmental income to rural households in Nepal and how environmental income influences poverty and inequality measures. Qualitative contextual information was collected from two village development committees in middle Gorkha District followed by a structured survey of 303 randomly selected households; income data were collected quarterly throughout 2008. Average environmental income was 15.7 % of total household income, ranging from 11.0 to 29.5 %. Environmental reliance decreased with rising income while absolute environmental income increased. Ordinary least square regression analysis indicated that households having large areas of crop and other lands, many livestock, larger amount of bank saving and having at least one migrating household member generate significantly larger amount of total household income. Households having a larger household size and the Dalit households generate significantly lower amount of total household income. Poverty indices and Gini decomposition showed that excluding environmental income from total household income has a large negative impact on the proportion of households below poverty lines, the income shortfall as a proportion of poverty lines and the variation in income distribution among households below the poverty lines.

The public finance potential of community forestry in Nepal

Ecological Economics, 2012

This paper explores the public finance potential of community forestry in Nepal on the basis of a... more This paper explores the public finance potential of community forestry in Nepal on the basis of a comprehensive dataset on forest revenue and expenditures of 41 randomly selected community-forest user groups (CFUG) from Gorkha district. The results show that CFUG income distribution is highly skewed; the high-and lowincome one-third of CFUGs in the sample account for 74.3 and 4.1% of the total income, respectively. CFUG income depends on age of the CFUG institution, CFUG membership size, and, in particular, on whether the community forest features the valuable timber species Sal (Shorea robusta, C. F. Gaertn.) and/or Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.). CFUG expenditure pattern is also highly skewed, with 85.2% of all public services and infrastructure financed by the one-third high-income CFUGs. CFUG financing of public services and infrastructure is shaped by income, management costs, and socio-political and contextual factors, such as whether the CFUG jurisdiction covers several wards and the presence of existing public infrastructure in the community. Finally, results show that the amounts of revenue generated through community forestry are negligible when compared to households' private gains from extraction of products from community forests, indicating a limited potential for redistribution of benefits under the current taxation system.

Community forestry in the hills of Nepal: Determinants of user participation in forest management

Forest Policy and Economics, May 1, 2013

ABSTRACT

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among Sarki ethnic group of Pala Rural Municipality, Baglung, Nepal

Wiadomości parazytologiczne, 2021

Intestinal parasitic infections are among the major public and socioeconomic concerns that have a... more Intestinal parasitic infections are among the major public and socioeconomic concerns that have adversely affected the well-being of the poor in developing countries. This research work aimed to inspect the prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) among Sarki ethnic group of Pala Rural Municipality, Baglung, Nepal. Total 498 stool samples collected in dry, screw capped clean plastic vails and studied for the presence of parasites using direct smear method as well as by concentration method. Overall parasite positive rate was found to be 31.32% (156/498). The prevalence of single infection was higher than double infection among Sarki ethnic group. There were no significant differences in prevalence of parasites among different age-groups, sexes and villages. Positive rate was considerably higher in females (47.5%; 38/80) compared with males (32.5%; 26/80) (P<0.05). Altogether six genera of parasites were encountered. Of them, Trichuris trichura (53.20%; 264/498) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (33.97%; 169/498), Entamoeba coli (4.49%; 22/498), Taenia sp. (3.21%; 16/498), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.56%; 13/498) and Hymenolepis nana (2.56%; 13/498). Remarkable prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was indicated by the present study carried out among Sarki ethnic group of Pala Rural Municipality, Baglung district of Nepal.

Analysing household-level poverty dynamics in rural communities in developing countries

Scandinavian Forest Economics: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Scandinavian Society of Forest Economics, May 1, 2012

Evaluating Contribution of Trees Outside Forests for Income of Rural Livelihoods of Terai Region of Nepal

Open Journal of Forestry, 2020

Trees Outside Forests (TOF) is a reliable source of income for farmers in rural area but study re... more Trees Outside Forests (TOF) is a reliable source of income for farmers in rural area but study regarding this has not been explored in depth yet. Therefore, this study was objectively conducted to assess the contribution of income from TOF products in annual income of rural household. Dhangadimai Municipality of Siraha district, Nepal was selected as study site. Altogether, 300 household surveys and 20 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted to find the income sources and their contribution including TOF. The descriptive analysis and unitary method were applied to analyze the collected data.

The pertinent role of forest inventory in making choice of silvicultural operations in community forests of Nepal

Banko Janakari, Jul 17, 2018

This paper explores the application of forest inventory to design silvicultural operations and it... more This paper explores the application of forest inventory to design silvicultural operations and its implementation to community forests. Four-time series forest inventory data (2005, 2010, 2013 and 2016) of Terai community forests were analysed, focusing on the type and size of tree removals from the forests. In addition, content analysis of the management plans of the forests was carried out and consultations were held with key informants. Though the forest inventory was prepared during the preparation of management plans, the results did not provide proper guidance on the selection of silvicultural operations, which were decided without a clear definition of the management objectives. They were very generic and largely ignored site-specific forest stand conditions. Most commonly practised silvicultural operations were cleaning and selective harvesting, which were similar for all forest blocks, though they varied in respect of forest stand conditions. The time series analysis of the inventory data showed that pole-sized trees were consistently removed in all four periods and emphasis was on extracting good quality trees without considering its effects on the stand. The study concludes that the current forest inventory is not very relevant in making a choice about silvicultural operations and the current practices might cause economic and ecological losses. Hence, we argued for identifying minimum forest management requirement necessary for the sustainable forest management that the silvicultural operations should be decided based on the management objectives and conditions of the forest, considering the ecological and economic value of the forest.

Modeling taper and volume of Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) trees in the western Terai region of Nepal

Banko Janakari, Jul 17, 2018

Assessment of Socio-economic and Environmental Outcomes of the Homestay Program at Amaltari Village of Nawalparasi, Nepal

Journal of forest and natural resource management, Feb 10, 2019

Homestay program is one of key strategies for enhancing rural income and biodiversity conservatio... more Homestay program is one of key strategies for enhancing rural income and biodiversity conservation. In this study, we assessed the socioeconomic and environmental outcomes of a community managed homestay program in Amaltari village of Nawalparasi, Nepal by collecting household level data from the 21 households. We interviewed visitors (n=60) to assess their satisfaction level with the services they are offered. Homestay income was found to have contributed more to the poor households than to the richer ones. Social contributions included increase in community pride, women empowerment and improved community relationship. The contribution in environmental sector was mainly the increase in environmental education and plantation activities. Visitors (n=60) were more satisfied with the hospitality and culture and least satisfied with the available means of communication. Linear regression models did not show any significant effect of age, sex and prior experience of visitors with homestay program on their overall satisfaction score which ranged from-10 to +10 (βage=-0.003±0.02; βsex.male= 0.003 ±0.02; βfirst.time=-0.003 ±0.02). Linking the home stay village with markets (e.g., travel agencies) and capacity building training for the homestay owners on management and marketing could be crucial to increase socioeconomic and environmental outcomes of the homestay.

Habitat preference and distribution of Chinese pangolin and people’s attitude to its conservation in Gorkha District, Nepal

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) has experienced a rapid population decline throughout i... more The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) has experienced a rapid population decline throughout its distribution. In Nepal, it mostly occurs outside protected areas; therefore, habitat degradation due to anthropogenic activities is one of the major threats to its survival. However, the scarcity of information on the ecology and distribution of pangolins impedes evidence-based conservation of this species in Nepal. Its habitat preferences and distribution and the factors influencing people’s attitude to its conservation were studied in Gorkha District in central Nepal. Thirteen transects, each 0.5 km in length, were used for recording burrows indicating the presence of pangolin. In total, 124 burrows were recorded, of which 38 were new and 86 were old, which indicated a clumped distribution. Based on the highest percentage frequency of occurrence, most burrows occurred between 650 and 800 m a.s.l., in areas with a south-facing aspect, with moderate canopy cover, in forest, red soil a...

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in Deula community, Kirtipur Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal

Annals of parasitology, 2021

Infections with intestinal protozoans, helminths, and other parasites are major, but overlocked p... more Infections with intestinal protozoans, helminths, and other parasites are major, but overlocked problems in developing countries. Accurate surveys of intestinal parasites in Deula community inform empirical treatment regimens and can assess the impact of community-based drug treatment programs. There is limited information on this topic in Nepal. In a prospective study of intestinal parasites in symptomatic people of the Deula community, January-July 2018, samples were examined by microscopy of a direct and concentrated faecal sample. We studied 150 samples. The median (inter-quartile range) age of the people was 34.5 (16-50.5) years, 52% were female and 48% were male. The proportion of people with abdominal pain was 30.39%, diarrhea 42.16%, anemia 14.71% and malnutrition 3.92%. Altogether 102 (68%) parasitic infections were detected. The most common parasites using all methods of detection were Entamoeba histolytica (35.30%), Giardia lamblia (21.57%), Trichuris trichiura (14.71%), ...

Gastrointestinal parasites of domesticated duck (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758) in Chandragiri municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal

Ife Journal of Science, 2020

Intestinal parasitosis is one of the chief causes of health problems associated with domesticated... more Intestinal parasitosis is one of the chief causes of health problems associated with domesticated and free-range ducks particularly in developing countries. Among the various health problems amoebiasis and helminthic infection are still significant among ducks (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758) in Nepal. We report the status of intestinal parasitosis, particularly the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal parasites of ducks reared in three different locations (Bishnu-Devi, Kanchan-Basti and Balambu) of Chandragiri Municipality from November 2016 to February 2017 using opportunistic random method. A total of 120 faecal samples collected in clean, dry and screw-capped plastic containers from six different locations were examined for the presence of parasites using formol-ether concentration method and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining technique, sodium chloride floatation and zinc sulphate sedimentation methods. Overall parasite positive rate was 81.67% (98/120). P...

Reflecting on species diversity and regeneration dynamics of scientific forest management practices in Nepal

Forest Ecology and Management, 2020

Implementation of sustainable forest management approaches, balancing mass timber production and ... more Implementation of sustainable forest management approaches, balancing mass timber production and intact ecosystem services through maintaining species diversity, has ever been the challenges for policy makers and practitioners in tropical forestry. Scientific forest management (SciFM) is a popular management approach that is increasingly adopted in Sal (Shorea robusta) dominated forests of Nepal, aiming to accelerate timber production and to improve forest condition. Being based on specific management plan, SciFM practices involve application of various silvicultural practices to manipulate forest composition and stand structure referring to the whole rotation period of a particular forest stand. Of the various aspects of SciFM, we aim to quantify the effect of SciFM on species diversity and regeneration dynamics, and compare diversity indices and regeneration attributes between managed and unmanaged forest stand in lowlands of Nepal, through establishment of permanent sample plots and its measurement in 2014 and 2018. Data collection about plant species and regeneration attributes was carried out in 50 sample plots of size 10 m × 10 m, established by stratified random sampling using quadrat method. Data analysis was done by using various diversity indices and compared through paired t-test. We also carried out correlation and regression analysis of diversity indices with predictor variables; such as canopy cover, number of individuals ha −1 , basal area ha −1 and site productivity index. Our study found that plant diversity is significantly decreased but the concentration of dominance is significantly increased in managed forest blocks. Diversity indices were found to have a higher degree of relationship with number of individuals ha −1 and canopy cover as compared to site productivity index and basal area ha −1. Similarly, seedling density and sapling density is found to be increased in managed blocks, ensuring the production and productivity of forest stand sustainably. Based on our analysis, we argue that opening of canopy through regeneration felling is important in promoting regeneration establishment and growth but further research is needed to balance the species diversity along with the practice of intensive management interventions.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Public and Private School Children below 10 years’ at Tarakeswor-10 Manamaiju, Kathmandu, Nepal

National Journal of Health Sciences, 2019

Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis is one of the chief causes of public health problems particu... more Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis is one of the chief causes of public health problems particularly in developing countries. Subject and Methods: Among the various health problems amoebiasis and helminthic infection are still significant among the school pupil in context of Nepal. In this article, we reported the status of intestinal parasitosis among the school pupil in this area. Present study was aimed in finding out the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in public and private school pupil below 10 years at Tarakeswor-10 (Kathmandu Valley). A total of 160 (80 from public and 80 from private school) stool samples collected in clean, dry and screw capped plastic container were studied for the presence of parasites using direct smear method as well as by concentration method. Results: Overall parasite positive rate was 40% (64/160). Positive rate was considerably higher in public school children (47.5%; 38/80) compared with private school (32.5%; 26/80) (P < 0.05). No significant difference in positive rate among boys (53.13% ; 34/64) and girls (46.87%; 30/64) was observed (P > 0.05). However, boys in private school had higher positive rate (boys: 57.69%; girls 42.30%; P < 0.05). Total six genuses of parasites were identified. Of them, Ascaris lumbricoides was most common followed by Trichuris trichiura, Hookworms, Taenia sp., Entamoeba coli and Enterobius vermicularis. Conclusion: Parasites positive rate were higher in children who were drinking untreated water. Children had higher positive rate that were from families without toilet.

Analysis of rocks, soils and vegetation characteristics of Kankali (Chitwan) and Tibrikot (Kaski) community forests of Nepal

Journal of Nepal Geological Society, Dec 31, 2012

The Dynamics of Pro-Poor Strategies: Analysis of Four Different Community Groups in Nepal

FORMATH, Apr 6, 2019

Adoption of pro-poor strategies through participatory approaches is believed to ensure the benefi... more Adoption of pro-poor strategies through participatory approaches is believed to ensure the benefits of socially disadvantaged groups within the community. This does not only address inequities but also helps with resource conservation. By comparing pro-poor strategies and analyzing the policies of four different community groups in Nepal, this study examined how their policies contributed or hindered the translations of assets into livelihoods outcomes. The study is based on empirical data collected through direct observation, social and resource mappings, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and transects walks. A checklist was prepared to standardize the information gathered from each area. Results show that the pro-poor strategies incorporated in the policies of the local community groups lead to higher level of awareness of the people of their rights. The pro-poor strategies, though not economically harmful to the poor, are not sufficient to address the existing social and economic inequities. There is a need for household level support to pro-poor approaches of the community groups that will directly help the poor translating their assets to sustainable livelihoods.

Prevalence of Nematodes in Rhizosphere of Kiwi Plants (Actinidia deliciosa Chev., 1984) in International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Knowledge Park, Godawari, Lalitpur, Nepal

Agricultural Science Digest – A Research Journal, Oct 1, 2020

Background: Plants harbor many trophic groups of nematodes in them. The plant production is also ... more Background: Plants harbor many trophic groups of nematodes in them. The plant production is also determined by the occurrence of nematodes adjacent to the rhizosphere of plants, such as parasitic, free-living etc. Method: Altogether 60 samples (30 from 20 cm depth and 30 from 30 cm depth) were examined from the Kiwi plants to detect the nematode distribution in Kiwi plants in ICIMOD, Godawari, Lalitpur, Nepal. Overall, 1510 individuals of 10 nematodes genera (both free living/beneficial and parasitic) belonging to four orders were found to be associated with Kiwi plants, among them the highest report was of order Mononchida (44.04%) which was followed by Rhabditida (33.44%), Dorylaimida (17.88%) and Tylenchida (4.64%). The number of nematodes were higher at 20 cm depth than at 30 cm depth. Iotonchus spp. was highest (32.68%) and the number of Helichotylenchus spp. (3.93%) and Mesorhabditis spp. (3.92) were lowest at 20 cm depth. Similarly, Iotonchus spp. was highest (20.13%) and the number of Discolaimus spp. (4.03%) was lowest at 30 cm depth.

Forest Environmental Income and Its Role in Welfare Outcomes: An Empirical Evidence from Rural Nepal

FORMATH, 2014

The paper empirically examines the contribution of forest-environmental income, and its role in w... more The paper empirically examines the contribution of forest-environmental income, and its role in wellbeing outcomes among the forest dependent households in rural Nepal. The results are based on a one-year survey of 303 households that included the detailed information on household demographics, income and assets and the people's perception in the change in their well-being compared to the last five year. To capture likely non-linear dynamics of well-being status, a probit regression model is tested. Overall, forest environmental income contributed an average of 16% of the total household income. Relative environmental reliance decreased with rising income while absolute environmental income increased. The perception of well-being was related to shock exposure and households' endowments to cope with shocks. In particular, households exposed to several consecutive shocks (two or more severe shocks) over the course of five years significantly reported to be worse-off. The limited role of forest in improving the well-beings of the households is associated with their limited access to the resources. Identification of income groups, their expected wealth status, and asset and access constraints that limit economic advance are used to suggest appropriate targets of intervention.

Genetic parameters estimation and evaluation of yield and yield attributing traits of rice genotypes under reproductive drought stress condition

Journal of innovative agriculture, Dec 31, 2022

total variation. Eleven rice genotypes were clustered into three groups where cluster 3 was found... more total variation. Eleven rice genotypes were clustered into three groups where cluster 3 was found to be superior for yield and yield attributing traits. Eight genotypes yielded more than that of check variety where highest yield was recorded by Sukhadhan-4. Rice genotypes under study showed enough genetic diversity hence, indirect selection of traits like flag leaf area, filled grains per panicle, harvest index, plant height, SPAD value and thousand grain weights will be effective for increasing yield.

Importance of Non-farm Income to Community Forest User Households in Rural Nepal

FORMATH, 2017

The paper empirically examines the household-level importance of various income sources and the f... more The paper empirically examines the household-level importance of various income sources and the factors associated with the non-farm work participation of community forest user households in rural Nepal. Data for the study was collected using structured survey of 275 randomly selected households. The income data are presented in absolute and relative terms by different household categories. Determinants of non-farm work participation is tested using probit regression model. Results show that non-farm income constitute an average of 55.5% of the total household income. Non-farm income such as remittances (migration from work abroad) and pensions constitute the most important source of income for all categories of household. Larger sized non-dalits households, which hold relatively larger value of implements and smaller land area show significant association with non-farm work participation. The varying share of the non-farm income to the total household income resulting by the combination of household's individual and socioeconomic characteristics are discussed.The study suggests that typical policies such as improvement in human capital, e.g. improved literacy and skills, and rural infrastructures will remain important for promoting and making the poor benefit from the income opportunities through various non-farm sectors.

Environmental resources reduce income inequality and the prevalence, depth and severity of poverty in rural Nepal

Environment, Development and Sustainability, Jun 22, 2014

ABSTRACT Abstract This paper investigates the economic importance of environmental income to rura... more ABSTRACT Abstract This paper investigates the economic importance of environmental income to rural households in Nepal and how environmental income influences poverty and inequality measures. Qualitative contextual information was collected from two village development committees in middle Gorkha District followed by a structured survey of 303 randomly selected households; income data were collected quarterly throughout 2008. Average environmental income was 15.7 % of total household income, ranging from 11.0 to 29.5 %. Environmental reliance decreased with rising income while absolute environmental income increased. Ordinary least square regression analysis indicated that households having large areas of crop and other lands, many livestock, larger amount of bank saving and having at least one migrating household member generate significantly larger amount of total household income. Households having a larger household size and the Dalit households generate significantly lower amount of total household income. Poverty indices and Gini decomposition showed that excluding environmental income from total household income has a large negative impact on the proportion of households below poverty lines, the income shortfall as a proportion of poverty lines and the variation in income distribution among households below the poverty lines.

The public finance potential of community forestry in Nepal

Ecological Economics, 2012

This paper explores the public finance potential of community forestry in Nepal on the basis of a... more This paper explores the public finance potential of community forestry in Nepal on the basis of a comprehensive dataset on forest revenue and expenditures of 41 randomly selected community-forest user groups (CFUG) from Gorkha district. The results show that CFUG income distribution is highly skewed; the high-and lowincome one-third of CFUGs in the sample account for 74.3 and 4.1% of the total income, respectively. CFUG income depends on age of the CFUG institution, CFUG membership size, and, in particular, on whether the community forest features the valuable timber species Sal (Shorea robusta, C. F. Gaertn.) and/or Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.). CFUG expenditure pattern is also highly skewed, with 85.2% of all public services and infrastructure financed by the one-third high-income CFUGs. CFUG financing of public services and infrastructure is shaped by income, management costs, and socio-political and contextual factors, such as whether the CFUG jurisdiction covers several wards and the presence of existing public infrastructure in the community. Finally, results show that the amounts of revenue generated through community forestry are negligible when compared to households' private gains from extraction of products from community forests, indicating a limited potential for redistribution of benefits under the current taxation system.

Community forestry in the hills of Nepal: Determinants of user participation in forest management

Forest Policy and Economics, May 1, 2013

ABSTRACT

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among Sarki ethnic group of Pala Rural Municipality, Baglung, Nepal

Wiadomości parazytologiczne, 2021

Intestinal parasitic infections are among the major public and socioeconomic concerns that have a... more Intestinal parasitic infections are among the major public and socioeconomic concerns that have adversely affected the well-being of the poor in developing countries. This research work aimed to inspect the prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) among Sarki ethnic group of Pala Rural Municipality, Baglung, Nepal. Total 498 stool samples collected in dry, screw capped clean plastic vails and studied for the presence of parasites using direct smear method as well as by concentration method. Overall parasite positive rate was found to be 31.32% (156/498). The prevalence of single infection was higher than double infection among Sarki ethnic group. There were no significant differences in prevalence of parasites among different age-groups, sexes and villages. Positive rate was considerably higher in females (47.5%; 38/80) compared with males (32.5%; 26/80) (P<0.05). Altogether six genera of parasites were encountered. Of them, Trichuris trichura (53.20%; 264/498) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (33.97%; 169/498), Entamoeba coli (4.49%; 22/498), Taenia sp. (3.21%; 16/498), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.56%; 13/498) and Hymenolepis nana (2.56%; 13/498). Remarkable prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was indicated by the present study carried out among Sarki ethnic group of Pala Rural Municipality, Baglung district of Nepal.

Analysing household-level poverty dynamics in rural communities in developing countries

Scandinavian Forest Economics: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Scandinavian Society of Forest Economics, May 1, 2012

Evaluating Contribution of Trees Outside Forests for Income of Rural Livelihoods of Terai Region of Nepal

Open Journal of Forestry, 2020

Trees Outside Forests (TOF) is a reliable source of income for farmers in rural area but study re... more Trees Outside Forests (TOF) is a reliable source of income for farmers in rural area but study regarding this has not been explored in depth yet. Therefore, this study was objectively conducted to assess the contribution of income from TOF products in annual income of rural household. Dhangadimai Municipality of Siraha district, Nepal was selected as study site. Altogether, 300 household surveys and 20 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted to find the income sources and their contribution including TOF. The descriptive analysis and unitary method were applied to analyze the collected data.

The pertinent role of forest inventory in making choice of silvicultural operations in community forests of Nepal

Banko Janakari, Jul 17, 2018

This paper explores the application of forest inventory to design silvicultural operations and it... more This paper explores the application of forest inventory to design silvicultural operations and its implementation to community forests. Four-time series forest inventory data (2005, 2010, 2013 and 2016) of Terai community forests were analysed, focusing on the type and size of tree removals from the forests. In addition, content analysis of the management plans of the forests was carried out and consultations were held with key informants. Though the forest inventory was prepared during the preparation of management plans, the results did not provide proper guidance on the selection of silvicultural operations, which were decided without a clear definition of the management objectives. They were very generic and largely ignored site-specific forest stand conditions. Most commonly practised silvicultural operations were cleaning and selective harvesting, which were similar for all forest blocks, though they varied in respect of forest stand conditions. The time series analysis of the inventory data showed that pole-sized trees were consistently removed in all four periods and emphasis was on extracting good quality trees without considering its effects on the stand. The study concludes that the current forest inventory is not very relevant in making a choice about silvicultural operations and the current practices might cause economic and ecological losses. Hence, we argued for identifying minimum forest management requirement necessary for the sustainable forest management that the silvicultural operations should be decided based on the management objectives and conditions of the forest, considering the ecological and economic value of the forest.

Modeling taper and volume of Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) trees in the western Terai region of Nepal

Banko Janakari, Jul 17, 2018

Assessment of Socio-economic and Environmental Outcomes of the Homestay Program at Amaltari Village of Nawalparasi, Nepal

Journal of forest and natural resource management, Feb 10, 2019

Homestay program is one of key strategies for enhancing rural income and biodiversity conservatio... more Homestay program is one of key strategies for enhancing rural income and biodiversity conservation. In this study, we assessed the socioeconomic and environmental outcomes of a community managed homestay program in Amaltari village of Nawalparasi, Nepal by collecting household level data from the 21 households. We interviewed visitors (n=60) to assess their satisfaction level with the services they are offered. Homestay income was found to have contributed more to the poor households than to the richer ones. Social contributions included increase in community pride, women empowerment and improved community relationship. The contribution in environmental sector was mainly the increase in environmental education and plantation activities. Visitors (n=60) were more satisfied with the hospitality and culture and least satisfied with the available means of communication. Linear regression models did not show any significant effect of age, sex and prior experience of visitors with homestay program on their overall satisfaction score which ranged from-10 to +10 (βage=-0.003±0.02; βsex.male= 0.003 ±0.02; βfirst.time=-0.003 ±0.02). Linking the home stay village with markets (e.g., travel agencies) and capacity building training for the homestay owners on management and marketing could be crucial to increase socioeconomic and environmental outcomes of the homestay.

Habitat preference and distribution of Chinese pangolin and people’s attitude to its conservation in Gorkha District, Nepal

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) has experienced a rapid population decline throughout i... more The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) has experienced a rapid population decline throughout its distribution. In Nepal, it mostly occurs outside protected areas; therefore, habitat degradation due to anthropogenic activities is one of the major threats to its survival. However, the scarcity of information on the ecology and distribution of pangolins impedes evidence-based conservation of this species in Nepal. Its habitat preferences and distribution and the factors influencing people’s attitude to its conservation were studied in Gorkha District in central Nepal. Thirteen transects, each 0.5 km in length, were used for recording burrows indicating the presence of pangolin. In total, 124 burrows were recorded, of which 38 were new and 86 were old, which indicated a clumped distribution. Based on the highest percentage frequency of occurrence, most burrows occurred between 650 and 800 m a.s.l., in areas with a south-facing aspect, with moderate canopy cover, in forest, red soil a...

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in Deula community, Kirtipur Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal

Annals of parasitology, 2021

Infections with intestinal protozoans, helminths, and other parasites are major, but overlocked p... more Infections with intestinal protozoans, helminths, and other parasites are major, but overlocked problems in developing countries. Accurate surveys of intestinal parasites in Deula community inform empirical treatment regimens and can assess the impact of community-based drug treatment programs. There is limited information on this topic in Nepal. In a prospective study of intestinal parasites in symptomatic people of the Deula community, January-July 2018, samples were examined by microscopy of a direct and concentrated faecal sample. We studied 150 samples. The median (inter-quartile range) age of the people was 34.5 (16-50.5) years, 52% were female and 48% were male. The proportion of people with abdominal pain was 30.39%, diarrhea 42.16%, anemia 14.71% and malnutrition 3.92%. Altogether 102 (68%) parasitic infections were detected. The most common parasites using all methods of detection were Entamoeba histolytica (35.30%), Giardia lamblia (21.57%), Trichuris trichiura (14.71%), ...

Gastrointestinal parasites of domesticated duck (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758) in Chandragiri municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal

Ife Journal of Science, 2020

Intestinal parasitosis is one of the chief causes of health problems associated with domesticated... more Intestinal parasitosis is one of the chief causes of health problems associated with domesticated and free-range ducks particularly in developing countries. Among the various health problems amoebiasis and helminthic infection are still significant among ducks (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758) in Nepal. We report the status of intestinal parasitosis, particularly the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal parasites of ducks reared in three different locations (Bishnu-Devi, Kanchan-Basti and Balambu) of Chandragiri Municipality from November 2016 to February 2017 using opportunistic random method. A total of 120 faecal samples collected in clean, dry and screw-capped plastic containers from six different locations were examined for the presence of parasites using formol-ether concentration method and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining technique, sodium chloride floatation and zinc sulphate sedimentation methods. Overall parasite positive rate was 81.67% (98/120). P...

Reflecting on species diversity and regeneration dynamics of scientific forest management practices in Nepal

Forest Ecology and Management, 2020

Implementation of sustainable forest management approaches, balancing mass timber production and ... more Implementation of sustainable forest management approaches, balancing mass timber production and intact ecosystem services through maintaining species diversity, has ever been the challenges for policy makers and practitioners in tropical forestry. Scientific forest management (SciFM) is a popular management approach that is increasingly adopted in Sal (Shorea robusta) dominated forests of Nepal, aiming to accelerate timber production and to improve forest condition. Being based on specific management plan, SciFM practices involve application of various silvicultural practices to manipulate forest composition and stand structure referring to the whole rotation period of a particular forest stand. Of the various aspects of SciFM, we aim to quantify the effect of SciFM on species diversity and regeneration dynamics, and compare diversity indices and regeneration attributes between managed and unmanaged forest stand in lowlands of Nepal, through establishment of permanent sample plots and its measurement in 2014 and 2018. Data collection about plant species and regeneration attributes was carried out in 50 sample plots of size 10 m × 10 m, established by stratified random sampling using quadrat method. Data analysis was done by using various diversity indices and compared through paired t-test. We also carried out correlation and regression analysis of diversity indices with predictor variables; such as canopy cover, number of individuals ha −1 , basal area ha −1 and site productivity index. Our study found that plant diversity is significantly decreased but the concentration of dominance is significantly increased in managed forest blocks. Diversity indices were found to have a higher degree of relationship with number of individuals ha −1 and canopy cover as compared to site productivity index and basal area ha −1. Similarly, seedling density and sapling density is found to be increased in managed blocks, ensuring the production and productivity of forest stand sustainably. Based on our analysis, we argue that opening of canopy through regeneration felling is important in promoting regeneration establishment and growth but further research is needed to balance the species diversity along with the practice of intensive management interventions.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Public and Private School Children below 10 years’ at Tarakeswor-10 Manamaiju, Kathmandu, Nepal

National Journal of Health Sciences, 2019

Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis is one of the chief causes of public health problems particu... more Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis is one of the chief causes of public health problems particularly in developing countries. Subject and Methods: Among the various health problems amoebiasis and helminthic infection are still significant among the school pupil in context of Nepal. In this article, we reported the status of intestinal parasitosis among the school pupil in this area. Present study was aimed in finding out the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in public and private school pupil below 10 years at Tarakeswor-10 (Kathmandu Valley). A total of 160 (80 from public and 80 from private school) stool samples collected in clean, dry and screw capped plastic container were studied for the presence of parasites using direct smear method as well as by concentration method. Results: Overall parasite positive rate was 40% (64/160). Positive rate was considerably higher in public school children (47.5%; 38/80) compared with private school (32.5%; 26/80) (P < 0.05). No significant difference in positive rate among boys (53.13% ; 34/64) and girls (46.87%; 30/64) was observed (P > 0.05). However, boys in private school had higher positive rate (boys: 57.69%; girls 42.30%; P < 0.05). Total six genuses of parasites were identified. Of them, Ascaris lumbricoides was most common followed by Trichuris trichiura, Hookworms, Taenia sp., Entamoeba coli and Enterobius vermicularis. Conclusion: Parasites positive rate were higher in children who were drinking untreated water. Children had higher positive rate that were from families without toilet.