An evaluation of a small farmer development program in the hills of Nepal : a case study of the Raviopi Project in Kavrepalanchok District | |
| Author | Acharya, Yogendra Prasad |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.HS-98-01 |
| Subject(s) | Farms, Small--Nepal--Kavrepalanchok Raviopi Project Agricultural development projects--Nepal--Kavrepalanchok |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Small Farmer Development Program is one of the crucial line of credit programs for Agricultural Development Bank of Nepal (ADBN) since one of its objectives was to help the resource poor rural farmers benefit in terms of employment generation, increased production and productivity in agriculture and agriculture-led enterprises and thereby achieve overall economic development at the household level through timely flow of credit in their favor. The program started in 1975 and has been carrying out various activities in Nepal. ADBN started and implemented the SPO at Raviopi in July 1986 with the major objectives such as increasing the inputs use pattern and output productivity of the agriculture and agriculture-led industrial activities, employment generation and socio-economic development of the farmers and entrepreneurs ofRaviwopi VDC through adequate flow of credit in their favor. The qualitatively designed field survey conducted for detecting the effect and impact of the Small Farmer Development Program on the borrowers covered 20 farmers, selected from 3 different wards of the project area, representing homogenous topography of the village. It is found that all the borrowing small farmers are engaged in agriculture. The literacy level among the borrowers is significantly lower (25%) than that of the national average of 40 percent. Farmers borrowed loans from ADBN mainly for five activities namely Cash crop, Cereal crop, Livestock, Sprinkler Irrigation, and Agriculture inputs. Out of total borrowers, 95 percent are found having no overdue. The total overdue amount against the outstanding loan is only five percent. According to the Project Manager, the repayment rate is estimated at about 70 percent which is higher than the average rate of 61. 1 percent estimated by ADBN for the Sixth Agricultural Credit Project for 1994/95. The productivity of potato, vegetables (like cabbage, cauliflower,), Ginger, Maize and Wheat increased significantly in the village. The improved irrigation facilities (like sprinkler) coupled with increased use of fertilizers (Urea, DAP and Complexal) contributed to increasing production of these crops. A significant increase is found in the production and sales of Milk out of improved buffalo raising business. Consequently, the consumption of milk at household level is noticed to have increased. Due to the Sprinkler irrigation facility, labor use increased in cash crop production. Such increase in the use of labor has not only helped the borrowing households to keep their family members gainfully employed but also to the community members for the use of hired labor has increased significantly. Substantial changes especially in relation to milk and egg consumption are noticed among the farmers. This indicates that the borrowers have been able to increase their production with increased access to institutional credit. The study revealed positive impact on the overall asset structure of the farmers. The number of new houses and other durable possessed by them has significantly increased after having access to loan facilities. The majority of the farmers are found disappointed by the group liability system of SFDP. Similarly, Significant proportion of the total borrowers is not satisfied with the existing loan limits of Rs. 30,000. They demanded for the extension of this limit at least up to Rs. 50,000. Majority of the farmers expressed their dissatisfaction towards newly adopted 'Monthly Interest Payment System' of ADBN. Almost all the borrowing farmers are satisfied with bank's lending and collection procedures other than newly introduced interest payment system. Majority of the farmers (85%) reported that the current status of their project was in good condition. Most of the borrowers have shown their interest on borrowing loans for vegetable farming in future. |
| Year | 1998 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Dale, Reidar; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Sheng, Yap Kioe ;Soparth Pongquan; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Queen Sirikit Scholarship for the Asian Environment Development Program, Government of Thailand; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998 |