Background
Open agricultural burning refers to the regular and periodic burning of cultivated fields for the purpose of removing excess vegetation and crop residue cheaply and quickly. In the Terai region of Nepal, lately it has been gaining momentum in some areas, as it is thought to be a cheap and quick way to clear fields after harvesting in the short run. Since this practice leads to regional haze, winter fog, and atmospheric pollution, it has adverse effects on climate change. ICIMOD assigned Scott Wilson Nepal to better understand the factors behind the farmers’ practice
Objective of the Assignment
The objective of this study was to identify the socio-economic factors behind this escalating phenomenon and to explore ways to limit or reverse its growth. The research aimed to reveal the main socio-economic factors behind this growing phenomenon and tried to explore the ways to limit or reverse its growth. The specific research questions are as follows:
- Why have farmers adopted the practice of open agricultural burning?
- At what rate is the practice being adopted?
- What quantities of agricultural residue are being burned, and what quantities are being used for other purposes?
Key Activities and Services Provided by SWN
This study was carried out during the wheat harvesting season in April 2017 in three districts—Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, and Nawalparasi—which are all big grain producers in Nepal. One municipality and two VDCs in each of the three districts were selected on the basis of satellite imagery that showed swathes of burnt farmland in the previous years. A preliminary visit to these districts was carried out in November during the rice harvesting season, and pre-testing of the questionnaire was carried out in December 2016.
A total of 388 farmers were interviewed using the Open Data Kit (ODK) application, 9 FGDs were conducted with farmers—one in each study site—and KIIs were held with stakeholders at DAO, DHO, and DADO in the districts. Field measurements were also taken to estimate the amount of straw that is produced and used for various purposes or burnt in the field.
Outputs
The study offers insights into the relationship between migration, agricultural mechanization, and open-burning practices. Drawing on extensive consultations with both farmers who burn crop residue and those who do not, it evaluates the effects of residue burning on agriculture, human health, and the local environment. In addition, the study highlights the feminization of agriculture and the rising prevalence of burning, exploring how women farmers make decisions, the extent of their influence over changes in agricultural practices, and how they adapt to shifts in residue management.
