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Examining Farmers’ Willingness to Learn Environmental Conservation Agriculture: Implications for Women Farmer Empowerment in Bagmati Province, Nepal

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  • Keshav Lall Maharjan

    (International Economic Development Program, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8529, Japan)

  • Clarisse Mendoza Gonzalvo

    (Department of Educational Communication, College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines)

Abstract

Agriculture is central to Nepal’s economy but faces growing challenges such as environmental degradation, labor shortages, and the increasing feminization of farming due to male outmigration. Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) offers a sustainable solution, yet adoption remains inconsistent due to knowledge gaps and resource constraints. This study examines the socio-demographic, economic, and environmental factors influencing the farmers’ willingness to learn about ECA and its relationship with women’s empowerment. A cross-sectional survey of 383 ECA farmers across the Kavre, Dhading, and Chitwan districts in Bagmati Province reveals that 72.6% are willing to learn about ECA, driven by climate change concerns, economic incentives, and market access. Farmers who have experienced climate-related crop losses (64%) and those engaged in consumer-driven markets (59%) show a greater inclination to learn ECA. Spearman correlation analysis highlights key factors influencing willingness to learn, including perceptions of ECA as a climate-resilient practice, interest in ECA, and awareness of FAO’s promotion of ECA. Farmers who believe that ECA enhances sustainability, resilience, and income are also more likely to engage, while market dissatisfaction presents a challenge. Receiving ECA subsidies is positively associated with willingness to learn, highlighting the role of financial support in adoption. Women play a crucial role in agriculture but face barriers such as household responsibilities (22%), lack of education and training (18%), and limited financial access (12%). Key motivators for their participation include capacity-building initiatives (48%), financial support (16%), and empowerment programs (5%). Notably, households where women participate in early decision-making are 19% more likely to express willingness to learn about ECA, and perceptions of ECA as empowering women are positively linked to willingness to learn. Addressing these barriers through targeted policies, institutional support, and market-based incentives is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable agricultural development. This study provides actionable insights for strengthening ECA adoption, promoting gender equity, and enhancing Nepal’s climate resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Keshav Lall Maharjan & Clarisse Mendoza Gonzalvo, 2025. "Examining Farmers’ Willingness to Learn Environmental Conservation Agriculture: Implications for Women Farmer Empowerment in Bagmati Province, Nepal," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:7:p:726-:d:1622531
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    1. Jhalendra P. Rijal & Rajendra Regmi & Rajan Ghimire & Krishna D. Puri & Sudan Gyawaly & Sujata Poudel, 2018. "Farmers’ Knowledge on Pesticide Safety and Pest Management Practices: A Case Study of Vegetable Growers in Chitwan, Nepal," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, January.
    2. Kaitlyn Spangler & Maria Elisa Christie, 2020. "Renegotiating gender roles and cultivation practices in the Nepali mid-hills: unpacking the feminization of agriculture," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 37(2), pages 415-432, June.
    3. Keshav Lall Maharjan & Clarisse Mendoza Gonzalvo & Jude Cadingpal Baggo, 2025. "Balancing Tradition and Innovation: The Role of Environmental Conservation Agriculture in the Sustainability of the Ifugao Rice Terraces," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-22, January.
    4. Bishnu Raj Upreti & Yamuna Ghale & Sharmila Shivakoti & Sushant Acharya, 2018. "Feminization of Agriculture in the Eastern Hills of Nepal: A study of Women in Cardamom and Ginger Farming," SAGE Open, , vol. 8(4), pages 21582440188, December.
    5. Keshav Lall Maharjan & Clarisse Mendoza Gonzalvo & Wilson Jr. Florendo Aala, 2022. "Drivers of Environmental Conservation Agriculture in Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-23, August.
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    8. Keshav Lall Maharjan & Clarisse Mendoza Gonzalvo & Manjeshwori Singh, 2024. "Farmer Perspectives on the Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability of Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) in Namobuddha Municipality, Kavre, Nepal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-18, May.
    9. Balayar, Ramesh & Mazur, Robert, 2021. "Women’s decision-making roles in vegetable production, marketing and income utilization in Nepal’s hills communities," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 21(C).
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    1. Ziying Chang & Nihal Ahmed & Ruxue Li & Jianjun Huai, 2025. "Social Capital, Crop Differences, and Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation Behaviors: Evidence from Yellow River, China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-34, June.

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