In Nepal, family farming isn’t just a way to earn a living-it’s a way of life. From the flat plains of the Terai to the rolling hills and towering Himalayas, countless Nepali families have cultivated the land for generations. Despite modernization and global shifts, family farming remains at the heart of rural life in Nepal, shaping communities, preserving traditions, and feeding the nation.
But in today’s changing climate-both environmental and social-the role of family farms is more critical than ever. With global food systems under pressure and rural livelihoods shifting, we need to rethink and revalue what family farms really mean for Nepal’s future.
What is Family Farming, and Why Does it Matter?
At its core, family farming means that the same family manages and works the farm, using mostly family labor. It’s deeply rooted in the community and often passed down through generations. In Nepal, over 85% of farms are family-run, and most are smallholders, managing less than one hectare of land (CBS, 2022).
While these farms might seem modest in size, their contributions are massive. They produce the bulk of the country’s food, keep local seed varieties alive, and maintain farming knowledge that’s been refined over centuries.
Globally, smallholder family farms are responsible for over 70% of the world’s food supply (FAO, 2021). In a country like Nepal, where over 60% of people still depend on agriculture, the impact is even more profound (MoALD, 2023).
Food, Culture, and Survival
In rural Nepal, family farms are more than food producers-they're caretakers of culture and survival. The rice paddies of the Terai, the millet terraces in the mid-hills, or the potato fields of the high Himalayas all represent not just agricultural diversity but cultural identity.
These farms supply households with essential grains, vegetables, fruits, and livestock. According to the Nepal Agriculture Sector Profile (2023), over 90% of rural households rely on subsistence or semi-commercial farming to meet their daily food needs.
In a time when food imports are rising and global supply chains are becoming less reliable, investing in local, sustainable food systems is no longer optional-it’s essential.
Empowering Women Through Family Farms
One of the most compelling stories about family farming in Nepal is its relationship with women’s empowerment. As more men migrate abroad for work, women are increasingly becoming the main decision-makers in agriculture. Studies show that women perform over 70% of farm-related labor in Nepal, yet they often lack access to land ownership, credit, or agricultural training (ADB, 2021).
Despite these barriers, women-led farming groups and cooperatives are on the rise. In areas like Sindhuli, Gorkha, and Bardiya, women farmers are growing vegetables organically, managing seed banks, and even running agri-businesses that supply local markets.
These efforts not only feed families but also shift gender dynamics. Programs like the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project have begun to focus on supporting women farmers with tools, training, and better market access (MoALD, 2023).
By investing in women through agriculture, Nepal isn’t just growing food-it’s growing equality and resilience.
The Climate Challenge: Farming on the Edge
Nepal is no stranger to natural extremes. From erratic monsoons to devastating landslides, farmers constantly navigate environmental risks. Climate change is making things harder. Rain patterns are shifting, droughts are more frequent, and pests are becoming harder to control.
Family farms, especially those in hills and mountain regions, are on the frontlines of this crisis. According to Nepal’s National Adaptation Plan (2021), agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change.
Yet, these small farms also hold the key to adaptation. Traditional farming practices like intercropping, water harvesting, and using native seeds have built-in resilience. With the right support-such as weather forecasting tools, training on climate-smart agriculture, and community-based insurance-family farmers can lead Nepal’s fight against climate shocks.
Aging Farmers, Absent Youth: A Growing Concern
One major concern is the declining interest among youth in farming. Many young people see agriculture as a labor-intensive, low-paying job. With better opportunities in cities or abroad, rural youth are leaving the land behind.
This shift raises a big question: who will farm Nepal’s fields in the next 20 years?
If Nepal wants to keep its agricultural backbone strong, it needs to make farming appealing again. That means providing better education, investing in agri-tech, and offering financial incentives. Programs like the Youth Employment Transformation Initiative (YETI) are a step in the right direction, connecting young people to agri-entrepreneurship opportunities across provinces (World Bank, 2022).
Building the Future: Opportunities to Strengthen Family Farming
Despite its challenges, family farming in Nepal has huge potential if it gets the right kind of support. Here are a few promising pathways:
1. Agroecology and Organic Farming
By using nature-based farming practices, family farms can become more sustainable and climate-resilient. Nepal already has a rich base of organic and traditional knowledge that can be scaled up through farmer training and cooperatives.
2. Inclusive Agriculture Projects in Nepal
Initiatives like the Rural Enterprises and Economic Development (REED) program focus on empowering marginalized groups, including women and indigenous farmers, by linking them to markets and financial services. These kinds of agriculture projects in Nepal not only improve livelihoods but build a more inclusive rural economy.
3. Digital Tools and Market Access
With growing internet access in rural areas, mobile platforms are helping farmers access weather forecasts, price updates, and even online marketplaces. Tools like “Krishi App” and government-supported portals are slowly bridging the information gap.
4. Regional Learning from South Asia
Nepal can also learn from neighboring countries. In South Asia, India’s success with women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Bangladesh’s climate-resilient rice varieties offer valuable lessons. Cross-border collaborations through SAARC and other regional platforms can drive shared innovation and policy reform.
NACCFL’s Role in Strengthening Family Farming
One of the most influential organizations campaigning family farming in Nepal is the Nepal Agriculture Co-operative Central Federation Ltd. (NACCFL). Established in 2008, NACCFL is the apex body for more than 1,100 agricultural cooperatives across the country, representing nearly one million smallholder farmers-of which 80% are women (CASA Programme, 2023).
Advocacy and Policy Influence
NACCFL actively engages with government institutions to promote policies that benefit family farmers. For instance, it successfully lobbied for the creation of cooperative-run wholesale markets in the Kathmandu Valley, helping bridge the gap between rural producers and urban consumers (ICA Asia-Pacific, 2022).
Training and Capacity Building
Through its Training and Research Center in Chitwan, NACCFL trains farmers on cooperative management, sustainable farming, marketing, and business planning. Over 190,000 farmers have already benefited from these services, many of whom are now actively engaged in commercial farming and local leadership (ICA Asia-Pacific, 2022).
Championing Family Farming on Global Platforms
NACCFL served as Nepal’s secretariat during the UN-designated International Year of Family Farming in 2014 and continues to advocate for smallholder farmers during the UN Decade of Family Farming (2019–2028). In coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders, the organization is developing strategic plans and programs to improve the resilience of family farming in Nepal (NACCFL, 2024).
Market Access and Innovation
Working with development partners, NACCFL supports cooperatives in value chain development, particularly in vegetables and fruits. It helps reduce post-harvest losses, improve transportation, and increase bargaining power. These interventions directly benefit family farms by ensuring better returns and more stable incomes (CASA Programme, 2023).
With a large female membership base, NACCFL places a strong emphasis on women’s leadership in cooperatives. It also runs youth-focused training to make agriculture more appealing to the next generation-something Nepal’s rural economy badly needs (Dakchyata Nepal, 2023).
Conclusion: Rooted in the Land, Ready for the Future
Family farming in Nepal is more than just agriculture-it’s about identity, resilience, and the ability to thrive in changing times. These farms feed millions, preserve cultural heritage, empower women, and hold the frontlines against climate change.
To truly honor their value, Nepal must shift from seeing these farms as “subsistence-level” to recognizing them as engines of transformation. With smart policy, targeted investment, and community-led action, family farming can remain not just relevant-but revolutionary-in building a food-secure, equitable, and sustainable future.
References
- Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). (2022). National Agricultural Census.
- FAO. (2021). The State of Food and Agriculture 2021.
- Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD). (2023). Agriculture Sector Profile.
- ADB. (2021). Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Agriculture.
- Government of Nepal. (2021). National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
- World Bank. (2022). Youth Employment Transformation Initiative (YETI) – Nepal.
- Nepal Agriculture Co-operative Central Federation Ltd. (NACCFL)
- CASA Programme, Nepal
- ICA Asia-Pacific
- Dakchyata Nepal
Article by : Suruchi Sharma ( Senior Agriculture Officer at NACCFL)
