Study of Decentralized Agricultural Service Provision: A Case of Achham District of Nepal Study of Decentralized Agricultural Service Provision: A Case of Achham District of Nepal

Abstract

In general, decentralized, demand-driven, and participatory programs tend to be more democratic in design and more successful in implementation. Achham is the far-western district of Nepal where the provision of disbursement of agriculture services, at village development committees (VDCs), is significantly active for agriculture extension services. This study aims to analyze the provision and practice of decentralized agriculture in VDCs through Agriculture forest and environment committee (AFEC) and existing governmental structure and its role for farmers to farmer extension system and the adoption of sustainable soil management (SSM) practice by the farmers. The study concluded that dispersion of block grant for agriculture and various sectors of investment by government in agriculture sector were partially used, but SSM technologies were highly adopted by farmers. The study showed that the block grant and fund from organization were bucketing for one window policy but some organization also basket the program to minimize duplication. Establishment of AFECs and functional groups in VDCs level is effective and efficient for decentralization of agriculture and inclusion of women and DAGs.