Dolakha District Research Articles

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CHHURPI PRODUCTION ON FARMERS’ LIVELIHOOD

This study explores the economic impact of chhurpi production on the livelihoods of rural farmers in Kalinchowk Rural Municipality ward no. 1, Dolakha District, Nepal. Employing a descriptive research design and a census method, 22 chhurpi producers were selected as informants. Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and observations, supplemented by secondary data from literature reviews. The findings reveal that chhurpi production significantly contributes to boosting the income of farmers, with active participation from both men and women in the production process. Despite its economic benefits, the study identifies challenges such as transportation difficulties, climate change, and insufficient income, which compel farmers to diversify their earnings through ghee, cheese, and agricultural activities. The research underscores the vital role of chhurpi in sustaining rural livelihoods and advocates for enhanced government support and improved infrastructure to ensure the long-term viability of this traditional industry.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0729/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Impact of Indigenous Practices in School Leadership: A Phenomenological Study of Community Schools

This paper aims to explore the influences of indigenous practices of the Sherpa community in school leadership. Purposely four Sherpa head teachers with more than five years of experience were selected from the Dolakha district. In-depth interviews were conducted for the information collection and head teachers day to day activities and their decision-making and administrative practices were observed and maintained diary. The interview records and diary notes were transcribed and developed code. Themes were developed using a similar code and analyzed thematically. The study found that Indigenous school leadership enhanced their indigenous knowledge, values, and culture in school. It promotes inclusiveness and equity in the school. The Sherpa community has a strong belief system of rebirth. Taking something from others is a sin, and enjoy donating poor and backwards. Indigenous leaders are found more accountable and transparent in the school administrative process.

Financial Literacy and Financial Well-Being among Working Professionals in Dolakha District

The study attempts to examine the influence of financial literacy on financial well-being, the purpose of study is to identify the most influencing factors of financial literacy on financial well-being and analyze the mediating role of financial self-efficacy on working professionals. The causal comparative research design was employed in the investigate the cause and effect of financial literacy on financial well-being. Data gathered from 229 respondents through structured questionnaires distributed via KOBO toolbox utilized convenience sampling. Quantitative analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, employing the PLS-SEM method. Out of four determinants of financial literacy determinants considered for the study, financial attitude, financial experience, financial skills had significant impact on financial self-efficacy however, financial awareness did not have a significant impact. Further, the study results found that financial self-efficacy had a significant impact on financial well-being of working professionals in Dolakha district. The results establish the mediating role of financial self-efficacy. This study is limited to current and potential working professionals in Dolakha district, utilizing cross-sectional data, which may restrict generalizability. Nevertheless, the outcome of the study will assist all the stakeholders, including employers, policymakers, local governments in Dolakha district. The application of this study is extensive. The study’s findings will assist policymakers, local governments, employers and financial literacy researchers all stakeholder to protect the financial well-being of working professionals in Dolakha district. Similarly, improving the financial well-being of working professionals from rural part of Nepal can help reducing poverty by encouraging investing and fair economic growth. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the earliest studies to financial literacy and financial well-being a study on working professionals in Dolakha district by using PLS-SEM and theory of planned behavior.

Phylogenetic analysis linked fatal neurologic disease in leopards (Panthera pardus) to Asia-5 lineage of canine distemper virus in Nepal

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is responsible for a highly contagious and often fatal neurological disease that affects various carnivores, including domestic dogs. In Nepal, recent reports of CDV exposure and illness in leopards (Panthera pardus) have raised concerns about the transmission of the virus among domestic dogs and wild carnivores. To investigate the genetic lineage and spread of CDV, our study utilized archived post-mortem samples from four leopards that exhibited clinical signs suggestive of canine distemper infection. These leopards were rescued in the Palpa, Dolakha, Kathmandu, and Parbat districts. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CDV strains circulating among the leopards belong to the Asia-5 lineage, which is also prevalent among dogs and wild carnivores in Nepal and neighboring India. The genetic relatedness between the leopard CDV sequences and those from both dogs and other carnivores within the Asia-5 lineage suggests that leopards in Nepal may have acquired the virus from multiple sources, potentially facilitated by their generalist dietary habits preying on dogs and even mesocarnivores. Furthermore, we inspected specific amino acid substitution in the hemagglutinin gene of leopard CDV, which also suggests possible transmission from both domestic dogs and non-canid hosts, although further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions. Given the vulnerable state of the leopard population in Nepal, already threatened by poaching and retaliatory killing, the emergence of CDV as a potential novel threat is deeply concerning. Comprehensive surveillance studies are essential to understand the dynamics of CDV spillover and to develop informed interventions. Urgent measures, including vaccination programs and effective control of the dog population, are needed to mitigate the impact of this disease and safeguard the future of Nepal's leopards and other wild carnivores.

Financial Literacy and Financial Well-Being among Working Professionals in Dolakha District

The study attempts to examine the influence of financial literacy on financial well-being, the purpose of study is to identify the most influencing factors of financial literacy on financial well-being and analyze the mediating role of financial self-efficacy on working professionals. The causal comparative research design was employed in the investigate the cause and effect of financial literacy on financial well-being. Data gathered from 229 respondents through structured questionnaires distributed via KOBO toolbox utilized convenience sampling. Quantitative analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, employing the PLS-SEM method. Out of four determinants of financial literacy determinants considered for the study, financial attitude, financial experience, financial skills had significant impact on financial self-efficacy however, financial awareness did not have a significant impact. Further, the study results found that financial self-efficacy had a significant impact on financial well-being of working professionals in Dolakha district. The results establish the mediating role of financial self-efficacy. This study is limited to current and potential working professionals in Dolakha district, utilizing cross-sectional data, which may restrict generalizability. Nevertheless, the outcome of the study will assist all the stakeholders, including employers, policymakers, local governments in Dolakha district. The application of this study is extensive. The study’s findings will assist policymakers, local governments, employers and financial literacy researchers all stakeholder to protect the financial well-being of working professionals in Dolakha district. Similarly, improving the financial well-being of working professionals from rural part of Nepal can help reducing poverty by encouraging investing and fair economic growth. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the earliest studies to financial literacy and financial well-being a study on working professionals in Dolakha district by using PLS-SEM and theory of planned behavior.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in humans and domestic animals in Jirel community, Dolakha, Nepal.

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are major health concerns in both humans and domestic animals. Livestock farming is one of the common livelihood practices in rural Nepal. The proximity at human and domestic animal interface increases the chances of dissemination of enteric parasites, especially those of zoonotic importance. This study was aimed at finding the parasite prevalence and risk factors in both humans and their domestic animals in Jirel community. A field survey was conducted on the Jirel ethnic people and their domestic animals in Dolakha district, where a total of 152 fresh fecal samples from humans and domestic animals (cow, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, and pigeons) were collected. The feces were examined by wet mounts and concentration techniques. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out among the local people and owners of the domestic animals to gather sociodemographic information, awareness, and hygienic practices in relation to parasite transmission. The enteric parasite prevalence was found to be highest in goats (80.0%;12/15), followed by pigs (55.55%;5/9), cows (45.45%;6/11), chickens (11.7%;4/34), and humans (1.41%;1/71), while the fecal samples of ducks and pigeons did not contain any parasites. The only parasite identified in humans was Ascaris lumbricoides. Similarly, three genera of GI parasites (Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp, and Trichuris sp.) from goats, two genera each from cow (Eimeria sp. and Strongyloides sp.), pigs (Entamoeba sp. and A. suum), and chickens (Eimeria sp. and Ascaridia galli), were detected. Based on the direct field observation, questionnaire survey and laboratory analysis, it is concluded that the Jirel community people are aware of health and hygiene; however, intervention measures are necessary to prevent parasitic infection in their domestic animals.

First report of Ug99 Wheat Stem Rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici in South Asia.

Since the emergence of Ug99 wheat stem rust in Uganda in 1998 (Pretorius et al. 2000), the threat of movement into South Asia has been a concern due to long-distance dispersal capacity of airborne spores (Brown and Hovmøller 2002; Singh et al. 2008; Meyer et al. 2017). Increased preparedness by comprehensive rust surveillance efforts and development and deployment of resistant cultivars in advance of an incursion into South Asia has been one of the success stories of the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (Sharma et al. 2013). In November 2023, an off-season rust survey was conducted in Marpha, Gandaki and Bagmati provinces in Nepal. Rust was only observed at two sites, Dangdunge of Dolakha district and Mude of Sindhupalchok district, where spring wheat was grown as fodder crop outside the main cropping season. Rust infected wheat leaves (10-15 leaves per site) were air dried and sealed in envelopes that were shipped under permit to the Global Rust Reference Center, Denmark. Bulk samples of stem rust, Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici (Pgt), were recovered from both envelopes, and single pustule isolates were raised and multiplied on Morocco and McNair. Meanwhile, specimens of dry leaves were subjected to SSR genotyping according to standard procedures (Patpour et al. 2022). One distinct multi-locus Pgt genotype was observed, identical to and representing 99% of Ug99 isolates within Clade I collected in East Africa between 2012-2022. A Pgt single pustule isolate from each of the sampling sites were inoculated onto 20 internationally agreed stem rust differential lines using standard procedures, and 14 supplementary lines providing additional resolution of pathogen virulence (Patpour et al. 2022). The pathotyping was repeated in two independent experiments, which resulted in the infection type pattern of Pgt race TTKTT (Supplementary Table 1). Additional independent SSR genotype assays of recovered isolates confirmed the prevalent genotype of Clade I (Patpour et al. 2022; Szabo et al. 2022). This first detection of Ug99 race TTKTT in South Asia emphasizes the need for continued coordinated international surveillance efforts and utilization of diverse sources of resistance to control stem rust in wheat. New surveillance efforts in Nepal during February-March 2024 did not reveal additional cases of wheat stem rust. However, more detailed and sustained rust surveillance efforts, assessment of the vulnerability of current wheat crops to Ug99 and other races of stem-, stripe/yellow- and leaf rust, as well as intensified breeding for rust resistance throughout the region is strongly recommended to meet current and future plant health risks.

Laetiporus sulphureus in the mid-hills of Central Nepal: ecology, ethnomycology and present status

Laetiporus sulphureus is a well-known edible mushroom with a high medicinal value. It is reported from different places in Nepal, particularly from mid-hill areas. However, the ecology and ethnomycology of L. sulphureus were poorly known in Nepal. We aimed to study the ecology, ethnomycology, and present status of L. sulphureus from the mid-hills of Dolakha district, central Nepal. The habitat of L. sulphureus in the six different sites of the study area was surveyed to find out the dominant tree species and microclimatic conditions. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted to document ethnic knowledge and the status of L. sulphureus. We found dominance of tree species such as Tsuga dumosa, Quercus semicarpifolia, and Rhododendron arboreum in the habitat of L. sulphureus. Dead and decayed logs/trunk of these tree species were found to support L. sulphureus growth. Regarding microclimatic conditions, an average temperature of 20 °C, a light intensity of 1000–2000 lux, and relative humidity of 65–80% were recorded under the canopy where L. sulphureus was growing. Fruitbodies of L. sulphureus were found to be collected by local people for food and medicinal purposes. Local people were found to use dried L. sulphureus powder for the treatment of aliments such as diarrhea and hematochezia. The availability of L. sulphureus was found to be declining due to overharvesting, logging of the host tree, and the removal of coarse wood debris. Collection of L. sulphureus fruitbodies and logging of host tree should be regulated for its conservation in wild habitat. This study provides valuable information about the possible substrate types and environmental conditions that could be used for the successful domestication of L. sulphureus at the study sites and similar locations.

Human‐wildlife conflict at high altitude: A case from Gaurishankar conservation area, Nepal

AbstractHuman–wildlife conflict studies of high‐altitude areas are rare due to budget constraints and the challenging nature of research in these remote environments. This study investigates the prevalence and increasing trend of human–wildlife conflict (HWC) in the mountainous Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) of Nepal, with a specific focus on leopard (Panthera pardus) and Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger). The study analyzes a decade of HWC reports and identifies goats as the livestock most targeted by leopards. The Dolakha district of GCA received the highest number of reports, highlighting the need for mitigation measures in the area. In GCA, livestock attacks accounted for 85% of compensation, with the remaining 15% for human injuries. We estimate that the number of reported wildlife attacks grew on average by 33% per year, with an additional increase of 57 reports per year following the implementation of a new compensation policy during BS 2076 (2019 AD). While bear attacks showed no significant change post‐rule alteration, leopard attack reports surged from 1 to 60 annually, indicating improved compensation may have resulted in increased leopard‐attack reporting rates. The findings emphasize the economic impact of HWC on local communities and suggest strategies such as increasing prey populations, promoting community education and awareness, enhancing alternative livelihood options, developing community‐based insurance programs, and implementing secure enclosures (corrals) to minimize conflicts and foster harmonious coexistence. This research addresses a knowledge gap in HWC in high‐altitude conservation areas like the GCA, providing valuable insights for conservation stakeholders and contributing to biodiversity conservation and the well‐being of humans and wildlife.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test for Universal screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus increased almost 30% in many countries, including underdeveloped countries and same in Nepal. Hospital-based studies in Nepal reported Gestational Diabetes Mellitus cases, with prevalence 2.48% in 2010 to 4.47% in 2019 emphasising on necessity of universal screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. As part of implementation of Electronic Decision support System for Antenatal Care, in formative study clinical vignettes on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus case presented to six healthcare providers ( Incharges, Auxiliary Nurse, Midwives and Lab Assistants) from 3 primary healthcare facilities in Kavre and Dolakha districts, Nepal from October-December 2019. 19 Auxiliary Nurse, Midwives from 19 HCF of 4 districts (Kavre, Dolakha, Sindhuli, and Sindhupalchok, including where clinical vignette were applied trained to perform Oral Glucose Tolerance Test for 4 hours. In-depth Interviews conducted with 16 Auxiliary Nurse, Midwives (8 trained and 8 peer coached from selected 4 HCF to explore their perception and experiences of conducting Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and continuing it for future. Clinical vigenttes compared with PEN protocol and IDIs analyzed thematically. Only 4/6 HCPs made probable diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. 217 Oral Glucose Tolerance Test performed, 24 found to have Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. In-depth Interviews showed Auxiliary Nurse, Midwives enthusiasts on implementing tests for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and to continue what has been learnt in training. Some challenges; clients hesitate to stay 2 hours at facilities due to unavailability of transport and household work. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test trained Auxiliary Nurse, Midwives seem more confident in counselling and conducting Oral Glucose Tolerance Test than those peer coached. Administering Oral Glucose Tolerance Test seemed feasible in HCF settings despite some challenges. Training and continuing logistics supply from municipality level seems promising.

Exploring place attachment: Insights from post-Gorkha earthquake resettlement planning in Nepal

This study investigates the relationship between place attachment and resettlement planning in Nepal post the Gorkha Earthquake of 2015. Focusing on functional place dependence, it analyses place attachment within the Panipokhari Integrated Settlement, designed for the Thami community in Dolakha district. Using "residential satisfaction" as a parameter to measure the influencing factors of place dependence, data were collected through a Likert scale survey, interviews, and observations. The analysis encompassed Cronbach's Alpha for reliability (α = 0.825), mean satisfaction scores for evaluation, and Spearman’s rank correlation to explore relationships between residential satisfaction parameters and place dependence factors. The study revealed significant correlations, highlighting varied influences on place attachment. Notably, social connectivity, represented by nearness to relatives (r = 0.720, p = 0.000), exhibited a strong positive correlation. Similarly, infrastructure amenities like electricity (r = 0.532, p = 0.000) displayed a relatively strong positive correlation, while access to health facilities (r = 0.447, p = 0.002) demonstrated a moderate positive correlation. Moreover, settlement planning components—kitchen gardens (r = 0.623, p = 0.000), open spaces (r = 0.578, p = 0.000), settlement layout (r = 0.549, p = 0.000), and cattle sheds (r = 0.574, p = 0.000)—significantly correlated with increased attachment. Additionally, housing design factors like immediate exterior spaces (r = 0.730, p = 0.000), spaces for life cycle rituals (r = 0.771, p = 0.000), and social events (r = 0.663, p = 0.000) and building performance factor winter thermal comfort (r = 0.606, p = 0.000)displayed substantial positive correlations. Acknowledging study limitations, it offers insights for planners and policymakers, stressing holistic approaches for sustainable resettlement. Future research should explore diverse factors and contexts, emphasizing the dynamic nature of place dependence. Ultimately, the study underscores the intricate relationship between satisfaction parameters and place attachment, urging comprehensive resettlement strategies.

Study on the Winter Thermal Environment and Thermal Satisfaction of the Post-Disaster Prototype and Vernacular Houses in Nepal

Post-disaster housing, constructed on a massive scale, often overlooks the indoor thermal environment, despite being a crucial design factor for residential satisfaction. This study examined the indoor thermal environment in post-Gorkha earthquake-reconstructed prototype and traditional vernacular houses in the Dolakha district of Nepal. It employed a questionnaire survey and measurement of indoor and outdoor temperature in both house types across two study locations: Panipokhari and Jillu, during the coldest winter month. Despite the indoor temperature in both house types falling below the ASHRAE comfort standard, the study found that prototype houses’ nighttime indoor temperatures were 2.1 °C lower in Panipokhari and 1 °C lower in Jillu compared to vernacular houses. This difference is attributed to the use of local building materials with low U-values, substantial thermal mass in vernacular houses, and a low window-to-wall ratio. Occupants expressed dissatisfaction with the thermal environment in prototype houses compared to vernacular ones. By incorporating climate-responsive features seen in vernacular houses, heating energy could have been reduced by approximately 21% in Panipokhari and 10% in Jillu, easing the economic burden on vulnerable households. These findings hold significance for policy-makers, implementers, designers, and other stakeholders involved in post-disaster resettlement housing programs, offering insights for enhancing long-term satisfaction and sustainability in such programs.

Assessing the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Farmer on the Biology and Management of Chinese Citrus Fly in Bagmati Province of Nepal

Chinese citrus fly is the major pest of sweet orange in citrus growing districts of Bagmati Province Nepal. Farmer’s production constrains and production problems such as Chinese citrus fly problem in sweet orange are not well documented and studied. This study was conducted in Sindhuli, Ramechhap, Dolakha and Kavre districts of Bagmati Province in 2021 with aim to understand the farmer’s perception, knowledge about CCF and their management practices using semi-structured questionnaire. Collected survey data was analyzed using the SPSS-20 and MS Excel. The survey results depicted that the intensity of Chinese citrus fly damage has been decreased in Sindhuli district with the infestation level of < 20% in sweet orange orchard. However, CCF population as well as their damage level was in increasing trend of > 50% in sweet orange orchard in Ramechhap, and > 80% in Dolakha and Kavre district. Chinese citrus fly loss has been recorded up to 25% in Mandarin orange in Dolakha and Kavre district. Maximum Chinese citrus fly loss was recorded in sweet orange orchard in October month. Farmers usefully managed the dropping fruits by collecting in plastic bags and burying in pits. Great fruit fly bait, has been used for the CCF management in three districts except in Kavre. Majority of farmers reported that chemical pesticides are less effective or sometime not-effective for this pest management. This study provides a preliminary information about sweet orange orchard management practices, general pest problems, Chinese citrus fly and future management strategy in survey districts.

An overview of copper ore mineralization in the Nepal Himalaya

Exploration of copper ore in the Nepal Himalayas has been carried out by different researchers at different times. The author conducted detailed geological studies and mineral exploration in some of the copper and polymetallic prospects and also reviewed the literature related to copper prospects in Nepal. The present research is able to delineate two distinct copper ore mineralization belts extending from west to east and identify the promising sites for copper ore and polymetallic mineralization that could be feasible for mining. The northern mineralization belt lies close to the Main Central Thrust where the mineralization occurs mostly in metamorphic rocks of garnet amphibolite facies in Darchula,Bajhang, Gorkha, Dolakha, Solukhumbu and Ilam districts. The southern mineralization belt in the Lesser Himalaya occurs in low-grade metamorphic rocks of greenschist facies in Dadeldhura, Rukum, Baglung, Myagdi, Tanahun, Dhadhing, Makwanpur, Dolakha, Udaypur, Bhojpur and Ilam districts. Most of these prospects were locally exploited on a small scale by traditional mining before 1951. Almost all mineralization in both belts is related to hydrothermal dissemination, irregular multiple vein type, replacement and cavity fillings and only a few polymetallic mineralizations at the exo-contact zone of granite bodies. The ore minerals were concentrated during the processes of regional metamorphism at the time of Himalayan upheaval. In general, the copper content in the northern belt appears to be higher in grade and tonnage as compared to the southern belt. The frequent association of tungsten, molybdenum, bismuth, nickel, tin, lead, zinc ores and traces of gold suggests the urgent need for further detailed exploration and evaluation of selected prospects which could be economic deposits and feasible for mining.

Impacts of Earthquake and Earthquake-induced Disasters on Community Forests in Nepal

Managing the commons is a challenging issue during crisis such as earthquakes. We considered four community forests, two from Gorkha and one from each of Dolakha and Sindupalchowk districts that were major earthquake affected areas. The study made use of ecological and socioeconomic survey techniques to assess the impacts of earthquake on community forests and management status of those forests. We calculated density of seedling, sapling and tree species and diameter size distribution of trees. We also analysed the forest status changes before and after the earthquake events and distribution of timber and fire wood in the community forest user groups. Seedling, sapling and adult trees number wise regeneration status of trees was good in all the studied forest whereas DBH size class diagram were bell shaped indicating unsustainable regeneration. Most of the respondents reported poor forest management after the earthquake and wood distribution has drastically increased after the earthquake 2015. From this study it is recommended that community forest management practices should be resilient to disasters and prepare alternative solutions to lower the pressure on forest products so as to maintain sustainable regeneration of forest trees and regular supplies of resources in future.

Assessment of knowledge of diabetes mellitus among female community health volunteers (FCHV) of Jiri, Nepal

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a global epidemic with significant disability and premature death. Identification of the level of knowledge related to diabetes among the health workers is important in strategies for prevention of diabetes mellitus. Method: This study was conducted as a community based study in Jiri Hospital in Dolakha district. All the FCHV working in the Dolakha district were selected for this study. Data was collected using Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ). Data was analysed using SPSS programme version 16.0. Result: A total of 90 participants were included in the study. Average score obtained was 15 out of 24. There was not significant association found between educational background and score (p-value=0.8835) No significant difference between the age groups and scores was found (p-value=0.5485). No FCHV’s had received training on diabetes mellitus. Having a family member with diabetes did not impact the obtained score (p-value= 0.9511). Conclusion: This study did not show any relation on knowledge with age, educational background or having a family member with diabetes.

Assessment of Sustainability in Community Forests: A Study from Dolakha District, Nepal

Sustainability in community forest (CF) is a very important issue but study regarding this is limited in Nepal. Thus, this research study was objectively conducted to assess the sustainability index including socioeconomic contribution and biodiversity status of tree species in Simpani, Bolde Setidevi, and Kalobhir community forests of Dolakha district. A total of 83 sample plots were established to collect the biophysical data. The sustainability index for overall and individual criteria was assessed on the basis of scoring provided by the community forest user groups (CFUGs). The study showed that there were 87% Braman and Chhetri in Simpani CF and their representation was 91% in the executive committee, and similar status was seen in Bolde Setidevi and Kalobhir CFs. The highest number of households were 29 receiving benefits from the timber in 2016/17. They used roughly 164.9 m3 wood from Kalobhir CF. The highest total income was US$1495 in 2016/17 in Simpani CF, but expenditure was the highest, US$1817 in 2017/18, in Bolde Setidevi CF. There was 6308 regeneration per ha in Simpani CF but growing stock was the highest, 177.7 m3/ha, in Bolde Setidevi CF. The Shannon Wiener index was the highest, 0.92 ± 0.087, in Bolde Setidevi CF. One-way ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference in values of the Shannon Wiener index and evenness index of the three community forests since p value is <0.05. The importance value index (IVI) value of Schima wallichi (63.51), Rhododendron species (48.61), and Tsuga dumosa (81.50) was found to be the highest in the Simpani, Bolde Setidevi, and the Kalobhir community forest, respectively. The overall sustainability index of Simpani, Bolde Setidevi, and Kalobhir CFs was found to be 0.61, 0.67, and 0.58, respectively. The score of extent of forest resource was found to be highest (0.82) in Bolde Setidevi CF and this score of institutional framework and governance was the lowest (0.52) in Kalobhir CF. This research study will be used to determine the sustainability in community forests.

Medicinal plants and their use by an ethnic minority Jirel in Dolakha district, Central Nepal

Background: Plants are important source of traditional medicine and are used widely in the primary healthcare of indigenous peoples and local communities. Despite a considerable number of ethnobotanical studies in Nepal, there are still several regions to be explored and scientifically document the traditional uses of medicinal plants. This study was conducted in one of such areas in the Dolakha district of central Nepal with the indigenous Jirel community. Methods: Ethnobotanical information was collected using guided field walks, semi-structured interviews, and key informant interviews with traditional herbalists and elderly men and women of the Jirel community. The data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using use value (UV), informant consensus factor (FIC), and preference ranking. Results: This study recorded 111 medicinal plant species belonging to 103 genera that were used to treat 11 health disorders. Families such as Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae have contributed a higher number of species of the total species recorded. Gastrointestinal disorders, skeleton-muscular disorders, fever, headache and cut and wounds were the common health problems among the Jirel people. Roots were mostly used for the preparation of remedies, followed by leaves and fruits. The informant consensus factor (FIC) ranges from 0.74 to 0.93 with an average of 0.87. Paris polyphylla, Cirsium verutum, and Astilbe rivularis have the highest use values of 0.98, 0.96 and 0.92 respectively. This research finds that traditional knowledge about the use of medicinal plants is more centered on Jirel herbal healers (Lama/Jhakris) and elderly people than youths. Similarly, knowledge transmission routes are mainly from parents to their eldest child. Over-harvesting, premature harvesting, and deforestation were found as major threats to medicinal plants. Furthermore, the abandonment of traditional herbal practices, the loss of traditional healers, and the youth’s unwillingness to traditional healing systems were threats to the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants in the Jirel community. Conclusions: The diversity of medicinal plants in the area and the associated indigenous knowledge of use among Jirel people have contributed significantly to their healthcare system. The medicinal uses of the documented species provide the primary information for further ethnopharmacological studies and conservation of most useful species in the study area. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Traditional knowledge, Informant consensus factor, Knowledge transmission, Preference ranking, Use value

VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF KIWIFRUIT (ACTINIDIA SPP.) IN DOLAKHA DISTRICT, NEPAL

Kiwifruit is one of the emerging, and high value fruit crops having tremendous nutritional and medicinal value that is being popular in Nepal. Under this context, research was done with the objective to carry out an in-depth value chain analysis of kiwifruit sub-sector in Dolakha district, Nepal. A total of 72 respondents, including 60 kiwifruit growers, 2 nursery owners, 2 wholesalers, 5 retailers and 3 consumers were selected for interview by using simple random sampling technique. Economic analysis revealed kiwifruit cultivation was running as a profitable agriculture enterprise in the district with the benefit-cost ratio value of 3.2. Additionally, kiwifruit production alone had 27.2% contribution in annual household income of growers. Five different marketing channels were observed, and majority of producers were found selling kiwifruit to consumers directly. On an average price spread was NRs. 87.4 per kg and producer’s share was 73.24% in existing marketing channels. Value addition activities such as grading, packaging, and processing were relatively poor in the study area. Furthermore, indexing identified inadequate technical knowledge and lack of storage facility as the major problems associated with production and marketing of kiwifruit, respectively. The findings of this research suggests that farmers are to be focused more on quality improvement practices and concerned authorities to prioritize their support in establishing proper marketing mechanism through provision of storage structures, processing units with least possible involvement of market intermediaries would be the best course of action to enhance future production and marketing of kiwifruit in the region.

Study on Seismotectonic b-value and Dc Value for Dolakha after Gorkha Earthquake 2015

Fractal correlation dimension (Dc) and the b-value methods are being used in this study with the earthquakes (m l ≥ 4.0) for the period 2015/4/25 to 2016/10/7 in Dolakha district after Gorkha Earthquake, 2015. The entire data have been divided into 3 windows each with consecutive fifty events for observing temporal variation of Dc value and b value. Low b value of 0.87± 0.05 is found during the period between 2015/4/25 to 2015/5/14 (window 1), indicates the large earthquakes of the period. The large earthquake of magnitude (m l ) of 6.8 is seen to occur 2015/5/12 in the study region in window 1. High b value of 1.53± 0.14 is found during the period from 2015/6/22 to 2016/10/7. The Dc value varies from 1.10 to 1.17 indicating the clustering phenomena of the events during the period. Thus, this kind of clustering pattern study by using local station data for Dolakha can help in the preparedness and mitigation of earthquake hazard.