Far-western Nepal Research Articles

Distribution records of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis pelops) from the Bheri River Basin in western Nepal

The Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis) population in Nepal is one of the least studied mammals. It is legally protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973; however, its population status, distribution and conservation threats are ill-documented. The species is thought to have a disjunct distribution having limited information about its occurrence in mid-western and far-western Nepal. This study surveyed the Assamese macaques in the Bheri River Basin of western Nepal and recorded their distribution in the basin for the first time. A total of 117 individuals were observed belonging to six different troops with an average troop size of 19.5 individuals. The elevational range of the distribution ranged between 1132 m and 1840 m asl. The Assamese macaque individuals from the Bheri River Basin are much darker and bear longer relative tail lengths than those of eastern and central Nepal. Further explorations and a detailed assessment of conservation threats in western Nepal are warranted.

Assessing the Climate Change Vulnerability of the Communities Residing in Doda River Basin, Far-Western Nepal

The study evaluates the vulnerability and climate change (CC) impacts on livelihood-related services aiming to identify strategies for enhancing resilience and adaptation. Key aspects of the study include the analysis of hydro-meteorological data, examination of climatic variability evidence, and vulnerability assessments related to CC. Vulnerability to CC varies based on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptation capacity, especially within a small spatial scale. Employing a bottom-up approach, the study applied trend analysis, Mann-Kendall statistical trend, IPCC vulnerability equation, and the Capacity Building and Vulnerability Assessment (CBCA) framework as fundamental methodologies. Meteorological and household data validate climatic trends and vulnerability. Significant changes in climatic parameters are observed, mirroring previous studies. Local communities experience decreased rainfall frequency, frequent floods, extended dry seasons, delayed monsoons, and intense late summer rainfall, verified by data from the nearest meteorological station. The exposure index ranges from 2.35 to 3.87, with wards 1 and 6 of Laljhadi Rural Municipality (RM) having the least exposure while ward 3 the highest, according to respondent perceptions. Sensitivity is highest in wards near the Doda River, with ward 4 having the highest sensitivity index. Adaptive capacity indices range from 2.01 to 3.68, with the least in wards 1 and 6. The highest vulnerability is observed in wards 3, 4, and 2 with vulnerability scores of 16.8, 13.6, and 11.1, respectively. Overall, the vulnerability calibration index indicated low adaptive capacity across all wards, emphasizing the need to enhance adaptive capabilities as a key recommendation for reducing CC vulnerability.

Study of Common Construction Practices and Structural Defects in RC Buildings in Darchula District Far-Western Nepal

This paper presents the common construction and structural deficiencies noticed in Mahakali municipality Darchula. The RC building constructions are common in the Darchula district. The main objective of this study is to find existing structural and construction mistakes in RC buildings. Field observations, interviews with engineers, technical people, local house owners, photographs, reviews of works of literature, bye-laws, buildings code, etc. are taken to fulfill the objective ofthe study. This paper examines the cause and effects of faulty construction practices and structural defects by using both analytical and numerical methods. Structural defects are present in the RC buildings due to improper construction methods, poor use of bye[1]laws, poor workmanship; do not consult with professionals, corruption, lack of training, etc. The results show that these structural defects and faulty constructions practice may lead to serious failures of structures during strong earthquakes. This study provides relevant information on the building’s collapse in a recent earthquake (Gorkha 2015) and the major cause of failure of RC buildings to compare the defects present in existing RC buildings in the Darchula district. The results concluded that almost 48% of buildings have column sizes less than 300mmx300mm, 24% of buildings have poor beam-column joints and 11% of buildings are soft storey and irregular building shapes. The numerical results pointed out that non-engineered buildings show poor seismic performance, poor seismic capacity and failure mechanism. The study strongly recommended that to prevent future hazards, the construction of buildings should follow the building’s laws and codes and also should be ensured by the municipality and other government bodies also provides sufficient training and knowledge in the local level. To improve the existing structures, it is important to increase the strength capacity and ductility of the joint by providing a suitable retrofitting process or maintenance process.

Identifying potential recharge areas of mountain springs through hydrogeological mapping

Springs are the primary source of water for the people inhabiting in the hills and mountain regions of Nepal. Climate variability, climate change, land use change and management factors together with various human activities including haphazard infrastructure development like urbanization and road construction over the recharge area are responsible for drying up of springs in the hills and mountains, especially in the mid-hill region of Nepal. This study attempts to identify the potential recharge zones of the springs within the four catchments viz. Banlekh and Shikharpur of Baitadi and Doti districts, respectively in far-western Nepal, and the Khaste and Begnas of Kaski district in western Nepal through hydrogeological mapping. Hydrogeological Conceptual Model was adopted while identifying the potential recharge areas. We measured the orientation of the rock outcrops, their types, and discontinuities found around the possible recharge areas. We prepared a conceptual hydro-geological layout of the spring-sheds based on the collected data, and delineated the potential recharge areas. We found the potential recharge zone of the Banlekh Springs at hill slopes and bedding plane within the catchment. However, the recharge zone of the Shikharpur Springs was found on the top and beyond the catchment due to the presence of a number of sinkholes. Moreover, the recharge zone of the Thulopadhero Spring was found to be controlled by the orientation of the rocks and fractures found in the unconsolidated sediments within the catchment and beyond the ridge of the escarpment. The rock orientation within the Falekund-Saunepani-Lapsibot Catchment suggests that the potential recharge zone of the springs consists of unconsolidated sediments. The identified potential recharge areas, the observed rainfall, and the discharge data on springs indicated that the recharge areas were more influenced by the local geology.

Prevalence of Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy in Far-western Province of Nepal.

Although diabetes is emerging as growing public health problem, there is limited population based data about the prevalence of the disease in Nepal. This cross-sectional population-based survey, conducted in the Far-western province of Nepal from April 2020 to April 2021, used standardized RAAB + DR methodology. Diabetes was diagnosed on the basis of treatment history and random blood sugar test results of greater than 200 mg/dl. Diabetic retinopathy screening was done by ophthalmologists. All relevant data were imported into the RAAB software package (RAAB V.6) for analysis. Among 4615 study population, 2.8 % (n=129) had diabetes, and 35.7% (n=46) of the diabetics were newly identified cases. Of the known diabetics, 61.4% (n=51) never had an eye examination, and only 27.7% (n=23) of cases had their eye checked for DR in the last year. Fundus examination showed 13.2 % (n=17) of the diabetic patients to have some form of diabetic retinopathy and 6.2% (n=8) had diabetic maculopathy. Only 0.8% (n=1) of the cases were categorized as sight-threatening DR but a greater number of diabetes patients had severe visual impairment or blindness (3.9%) as compared to non-diabetic patients (1.8%). Prevalence of diabetes and DR were relatively lower in Far-western Nepal. However poor coverage of screening examinations have left many of these cases undetected in the communities. Effective community-based diabetes and DR screening and referral programs can help to detect and treat diabetes and DR early on to prevent vision loss and other diabetic complications.

Comparative Analysis of Rhizosphere Fungi in Ageratina Adenophora and Associated Native Species in Far-Western Nepal

Root exudates play a significant role in influencing the rhizosphere microbes. Fungi are an important group of microbes that are influenced by plant root exudates. As invasive alien plant species secretes several allelochemicals and impact soil microbes, this study compared the fungal community in one of the invasive weeds Ageratina adenophora with native species (Rubus ellipticus, Shorea robusta and Imperata cylindrica) in far-western Nepal. The rhizosphere soil was sampled by uprooting respective plants, and the soils were cultured using Czapek Dox Agar and PDA media. A total of 49 fungal species were identified from the plant rhizospheres. A. adenophora altered the species richness, occurrence and frequency of fungi in soil. The pathogenic fungi Aspergillus niger, Myrothecium sp., Phoma sp., Rhizoctonia sp., Pythium oligandrum, Verticillium spp. were the most frequently occurring rhizosphere fungi in all plants and they showed their host specificity in the rhzosphere. The fungi species such as Paecilomyces lilacinus, Aspergillus flavus, Myrothecium sp., Penicillium citrinum, P. chrysogenum, Rhizoctonia sp., Mucor circinelloides, Hypocrea sp., Trichoderma hypoxylon, T. sparsum, Gliocladium sp., Hypomyces sp., Aspergillus niger and M. circinelloides were common in all native plants. Even minor variations in the physicochemical properties of soil can change the presence of fungal species in the root zone, as indicated by the analysis of soil chemicals.

Cheer Pheasant Catreus Wallichii Distribution in Far-Western Nepal with Notes on Threats

Pheasants remain among the least studied but most popular species targeted by hunters and trappers in many parts of Nepal. Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii, is classified as rare and Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, an Endangered species in the National Red List of Birds in Nepal, and one of nine protected priority bird species of Nepal. Despite its global and national significance, it has been declining in Nepal, and in other parts of its range. Snaring and hunting are the main causes for its decline in Nepal. Furthermore, scientific research and conservation efforts for the Cheer Pheasant have been focused on a few Protected Areas (PAs), ignoring the large areas of its range that lie outside the PAs system. Despite the species' occurrence being reported opportunistically, no fieldwork focusing on Cheer Pheasant has been carried out in Far-Western Nepal. Therefore, from 2014 to 2016, a survey and informal interviews were conducted in Baitadi, Achham and Bajura districts of Far-Western Nepal to learn more about the species' status, distribution, and conservation challenges. As a result of this work, Cheer Pheasant has been found in new locations in Nepal, including Pancheshwor Rural Municipality in Baitadi, Mangalsen Municipality in Achham and Badimalika Municipality in Bajura District. The main anthropogenic threats to the species in Far-Western Nepal include trapping, shooting, egg collection, and forest fire. The species has already disappeared from some locations where local people observed them frequently in the past. Therefore, intensive study of the relationship between Cheer Pheasant and underlying threats is necessary. Additionally, conservation campaigns should be focused on hunting groups and local people, as awareness in the region is poor.

What motivates smallholder farmers to adapt to climate change? Insights from smallholder cropping in far-western Nepal

Adaptation to climatic change in smallholder agriculture is pivotal to ensuring food security in many developing countries. Research into adaptation to climate change in smallholder agriculture has often used capital-based indicator frameworks, with only limited consideration of the cognitive dimensions influencing adaptation motivation. In this study, we interviewed 327 farmers in far-western Nepal and the responses were used in structural equation modelling to quantify determinants of adaptation motivation. Results indicate that farmers with a higher level of adaptation appraisal are motivated to adapt, whereas the higher level of threat appraisal exhibited a weak influence. Social drivers such as incentives and subjective norms had a weak effect. Risk experience influenced adaptation motivation negatively. Adaptation cost was negatively related to the adaptation appraisal. Determinants of adaptation motivation varied across agroecosystems. These results suggest that effective adaptation policies must emphasise on the factors that positively contribute to adaptation motivation (e.g., adaptation efficacy) and target interventions that break down the barriers to adaptation (e.g., adaptation cost), while boosting trust and confidence in farmers to adaptation measures. Findings can inform adaptation policies in similar smallholder contexts of Asia/South Asia, while the research approach can be used to generate insights into farmers’ adaptation motivation globally.

Deforestation controls landslide susceptibility in Far-Western Nepal

Landslides are a major problem in the Far-Western region of Nepal, where one of the highest densities of shallow landslides within the country is observed. However, there is still a lack of understanding around the relative impact of deforestation as a predisposing factor. Here, we use remote-sensing techniques and freely accessible satellite data to quantify the effects of deforestation and related agriculture practices in the assessment of landslide susceptibility. We use a new regional landslide inventory of 8,778 events dated between 1993 to 2018 to train and validate bivariate landslide susceptibility models, in which preceding land cover/land use is included as a predisposition factor. Our results show that the use of land-cover /land-use maps enhances the average probability of model success by 7.9%. Besides, we assess land-cover changes for a period of 1 to 10 years prior to each landslide event to analyze the relative incidence of changes related to deforestation and agricultural uses. The analysis suggests that agricultural practices and deforestation that occur 5–7 years preceding the landslide event have a significant influence on the landslide occurrence (+16%). Our results reveal that negligent anthropological land use practices can significantly enhance landslide risk.

Wheat-based Mixed-cropping Evaluation in the River-basin Areas of Far-western Nepal

A study was conducted to find-out the optimum seed rate for wheat-based mixed cropping patterns in the research field of the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Bhagetada Doti. The field experiment was conducted in the two consecutive winters of 2019-20 and 2020-21. The recommended seed rate of wheat (120 kg/ha) was considered a check, and the wheat seed rate was reduced by 20, 30, and 40%, respectively, for pea, lentil, and gram, to generate different mixed cropping combinations. The mixed crops were broadcasted together with wheat during wheat sowing time. Chemical fertilizer was applied at the rate of 80:40:30 kg NPK ha-1 at the time of seed sowing, and no additional fertilizers were supplied to the mixed crops. The results revealed that the combination of lentils (30%) and wheat (70%) were found to be the most profitable and recorded the maximum wheat equivalent yield followed by the combinations of toria (30%) + wheat (70%) and toria (20%) + wheat (80%) in our study.

Weed community structure in upland farming system of the middle mountain region in far-western Nepal

Weeds are recognized worldwide as an important environmental and economic burden in the human dominated landscape, particularly in the agro-ecosystems. Management of weeds is highly context specific and requires the knowledge of weed community structure at local levels. Additionally, periodic assessment of weed flora is essential because the weed community structure modifies over time due to changes in cropping patterns and arrival of invasive alien weeds. In this study we assessed the agricultural weed flora and weed community structure in legume fields (Macrotyloma uniflorum, Vigna angularis and Vigna mungo crops) dominated by invasive weed Ageratum houstonianum in a remote mountain village Gokuleshwor of Darchula district in north-west Nepal. Weed flora of the study area was inventoried by transect walk method and weed community structure in three crop fields were analyzed by quadrat sampling. We recorded 75 vascular plant species belonging to 67 genera and 29 families as agricultural weeds. Among them, 21 species (28%) were alien species naturalized in Nepal and 9 of these naturalized species were invasive. Asteraceae (18 species) was the most species-rich family, followed by Poaceae (10 species) and Malvaceae (5 species). Out of 75 weed species, 65 were also listed in the World Compendium of Weed. A. houstonianum had the highest biomass and the importance percentage in all three crop fields. Weed species richness and A. houstonianum biomass did not vary significantly among the three crop fields. The weed species richness significantly declined with increasing A. houstonianum biomass. The results suggest that the alien species contributed significantly to the weed flora of the upland farming system and an invasive weed became a dominant species of the weed community. Control of such weeds at their early stage of invasions can prevent them from becoming dominant weeds and protect the crop production systems from their negative impacts.

Effectiveness of an educational intervention in improving healthcare workers’ knowledge of early recognition, diagnosis and management of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in rural far-western Nepal: a pre/post-intervention study

ObjectivesRheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remain among the major heart problems among children in Nepal. Although these conditions are preventable and treatable, the lack of proper knowledge...

Factors influencing the mental wellbeing of persons affected by leprosy in Far-Western Nepal

Objective To investigate factors that influence the mental wellbeing of persons affected by leprosy in Far-Western Nepal. Methods The study used a cross-sectional design with a qualitative approach. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions covering topics such as feelings towards and experiences with leprosy, mental wellbeing, knowledge about leprosy, social life, community, culture and future outlook were employed. The data were analysed using Framework Analysis and Thematic Open Analysis. Results A total of 25 persons affected by leprosy were included in the in-depth interviews and 13 persons participated in focus group discussions. We found that participants often experienced stigma and/or mental distress. Participants reported physical weakness or pain, activity limitations, worries about their disease and its implications, feelings of shame, suicidal thoughts, and perceived and/or internalised stigma. Factors influencing mental wellbeing included discrimination, social support, religion, participation (restrictions), (in)ability to work, community attitudes, knowledge of leprosy and cultural beliefs about the disease. Conclusions This study revealed that the majority of participants faced leprosy-related stigma, physical discomfort, restrictions in social participation and mental distress. We recommend the development of interventions such as counselling after diagnosis with leprosy, increasing leprosy awareness and knowledge, addressing negative attitudes and beliefs in the community and stimulating social participation.

Perceptions of users and providers on barriers to utilizing skilled birth care in Surkhet district of Nepal: a qualitative study

Background: Although skilled birth care contributes significantly to the prevention of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, utilization of such care is poor in mid- and far-western Nepal. This study explored the perceptions of service users and providers regarding barriers to skilled birth care. Method: We conducted 24 focus group discussions, 12 each with service users and service providers from different health institutions in mid- and far-western Nepal. All discussions examined the perceptions and experiences of service users and providers regarding barriers to skilled birth care and explored possible solutions to overcoming such barriers.Results: Our results determined that major barriers to skilled birth care include inadequate knowledge of the importance of services offered by skilled birth attendants (SBAs), distance to health facilities, unavailability of transport services, and poor availability of SBAs. Other barriers included poor infrastructure, meager services, inadequate information about services/facilities, cultural practices and beliefs, and low prioritization of birth care. Moreover, the tradition of isolating women during and after childbirth decreased the likelihood that women would utilize delivery care services at health facilities.Conclusions: Service users and providers perceived inadequate availability and accessibility of skilled birth care in remote areas of Nepal, and overall utilization of these services was poor. Therefore, training and recruiting locally available health workers, helping community groups establish transport mechanisms, upgrading physical facilities and services at health institutions, and increasing community awareness of the importance of skilled birth care will help bridge these gaps.

Changing precipitation patterns in far-western Nepal in relation to landslides in Bajhang and Bajura districts

The geologically young terrains of the Nepal's Lesser Himalaya are strongly affected by the multiple and interrelated geo-hazards of landslides, floods, and debris torrents. One of the main factors that trigger these hazards is the duration and intensity of monsoon rainfall. Here, we interrogate precipitation data for a variety of different periods, the longest of which comprises 40 years (1977-2017) of annual rainfall data, for 17 rainfall stations in far-western Nepal. The average rainfall over the past 10 years (2007-2017) was found to be declining for most stations. The summer monsoon season (i.e. June to September) accounts for 70–80% of the total annual rainfall, and is critical for agricultural production; but the vast majority of floods and landslides also occur during this time. Changes in daily rainfall magnitude and frequency are analysed. The intensity of rainfall during monsoon time was found to increase by over 100% in the past 40 years, with this change especially pronounced in 2008. The variation of intensities of rainfall in relation to landslides at different elevations has also been explored. We found that rainfall intensity increased by 40–60% over an increase in elevation from 1 to 2 km in the study area of the Bajedi landslide in far-western Nepal.

Deforestation Controls Landslide Susceptibility in Far-Western Nepal

Deforestation Controls Landslide Susceptibility in Far-Western Nepal

Ecology and Ethnobotany in and around Api Nampa Conservation Area (ANCA), Darchula, Nepal

Background: Far-Western mountainous Region of Nepal is a rich source of floral diversity and medicinal plants. The latter is frequently being used in traditional healing systems in the region. In the present study, we aimed to document richness and diversity of flowering plant species including medicinal species and their indigenous uses in Api Nampa Conservation Area (ANCA) of Darchula district, Far Western Nepal. To be precise, we explored the detail ethnobotanical accounts of Hippophae species of the area. Methods: Fieldwork for this study was carried out twice in July 2019 and July 2020. Ghajir Kshetti, Khirsha and Lamthing villages of eastern ANCA (considered as a protected site, government managed) and Patha, Ranghadi, Kantai and Batheldhunga villages of northern ANCA (considered as community-managed site) were sampled. A total of ten quadrats each measuring 10 m x 10 m size in each site was laid to inventory the species and analyze the ecological traits. For ethnobotanical assessment, two field observations were made and 20 people, representing male, female, senior citizens were interviewed. Supplementary information was collected during informal group discussions held in the villages and in district center. Results: We recorded 76 plant species including Hippophae salicifolia in two different study sites of ANCA, Darchula. The species belonged to 33 families and 62 genera. The dominant plant families were Pinaceae, Rosaceae, Poaceae, Ericaceae and Asteraceae. The comparative assessment showed that the protected site has greater number plant species 60 (78.94%) whereas the northern ANCA site has only 37 (48.68%) species. The highest IVI (26.95) was recorded for Hippophae salicifolia and minimum (2.37) for Daphne papyracea. As dominant, the Hippophae salicifolia was frequently used traditionally for primary health care, local livelihood, nutrition, cosmetics, and environmental management. Out of 76, 65 species were used for ethnobotany and 11 species for ethnomedicine. Conclusions: Protected ANCA site is rich in plant species. The site and whole ANCA are dominated by useful plant species such as Hippophae salicifolia, Alnus nepalensis, Elaeagnus parvifolia, Girardiania diversifolia, Ilex excelsa, Juglans regia, etc. This study contributes to the wealth of medicinal plants and ethnobotany of ANCA, Darchula. Conservation of useful plant species complements the rural livelihood inhabiting the rugged and remote mountains of Far-Western Nepal. Key words: Api Nampa Conservation Area, Diversity, Darchula, Ethnobotany, Seabuckthorn.

Land use/land cover change assessment of Mohana watershed (Far-Western Nepal) using GIS and remote sensing

The present study was conducted in the Mohana watershed of Far-western Nepal to assess land use land cover change. The study has used ArcGIS and three Landsat images - Landsat TM (1999), Landsat ETM+ (2009), and Landsat OLI (2019) – to analyze land use the land cover change of the watershed. The change matrix technique was used for change detection analysis. The study area was classified into five classes; forest, agriculture, built-up, water bodies, and barren lands. The study has found that among the five identified classes forest and build-up increased positively from 45.40 % to 51.51 % - forest cover and 11.26 % to 19. 85 % - build-up respectively. Similarly, agricultural land and water bodies initially increased but after 2009 both land cover areas decreased to 23.79 % and 0.73 % from 31.38 % and 0.97 % in 2009 respectively. Barren land decreased from 15.37% to 4.12% over the last 20 years. This study might support land-use planners and policymakers to adopt the best suitable land use management option for the Mohana watershed.

Carbon sequestration potential of community forests: A comparative analysis of soil organic carbon stock in community managed forests of Far-Western Nepal

Assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC) pool is an essential pace for understanding the carbon sequestration potential (CSP) of the soil system as a mitigation strategy and also investigate that they act as a source or sink for the atmospheric CO2 subject to the level of saturation. Improved CSP has been recognized as one of the possible solutions for mitigating climate change. The CSP of soil system for the community forests (CFs) in Nepal is not well recognized. Therefore, a study was conducted in two community-managed forests viz Ganesh (degraded) and Ramnagar (non-degraded) CFs situated in the Kanchanpur district of Nepal to quantify the SOC and Bulk density (BD). For determining SOC, systematic sampling with a sampling intensity of 0.5% was used for collecting altogether 189 soil samples from both the CFs. In addition, the soil samples from varying depths (0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm) of each soil profile were collected from each sampling plot. The mean SOC observed upto 30 cm soil depth in Ganesh and Ramnagar CF was 42.55 ± 3.10 t ha-1 and 54.21 ± 3.59 t ha-1 respectively. While, maximum SOC was noticed at 0-10 cm whereas minimum at 20-30 cm in both the CFs. Moreover, SOC decreased and bulk density increased with increasing soil depth in both the CFs. SOC and BD was negatively correlated in both CFs. The total SOC pool exhibited a significant (p<0.05) difference between the two CFs. Hence, the outcome of study shows that the both CFs has enormous potential to sequester the atmospheric concentration of Co2 into soil. With this concern, the participation of local people in sustainable management of community forests enhance the soil quality and meets strategy to mitigate the climate change.

Ethnomedicinal Values of Weeds in Kanchanpur District, Far-Western Nepal

Background: Far-Western Terai Region of Nepal is a large source of floral diversity. Most of the plants are medicinal and available as wild or weeds. Weeds are unwanted plants and competing with crop plants for common resources (water, mineral nutrients, space, and light) and reduce the yield of wanted plants. However, the weeds and their medicinal properties were scarcely documented. The aim of the present study was to explore the diversity of commonly used weeds of Kanchanpur district, to be precise on cataloguing the indigenous knowledge how local weeds are managed and utilized by local people.Methods: The study district is border to India at southwestern part of the country. The information of weeds and their medicinal uses was collected by using semi-structured questionnaires in which participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and rapid rural appraisal (RRA) tools were used. The quantitative data were analyzed by use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC).Results: A total of 108 weed species were recorded under 44 families as medicinal to treat different ailments. Among them, 79 species were dicotyledons, 25 monocotyledons (19 grasses and 6 sedges species) and 4 pteridophytes. The composition of species to their respective families showed the highest (12%) occurrence by families Poaceae and Asteraceae with first rank and the lowest (1%) occurrence by families Alismataceae and Typhaceae with sixth rank category. Weed species were being used as similar to other plant species used for ethnobotany, however the use as ethnomedicinal was remarkable. The medicinal use of weeds with the highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) (0.75) was for fever and in palpitation of heart and the lowest ICF (0.45) for paralysis and arthritis. The Use Value (UV) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were used to demonstrate that which weeds could be further used for pharmacological study and advancement of drug discovery. Conclusions: The finding proved the significance of weeds as medicine so there is a dire need to create awareness among the people for conservation and sustainable use of these weeds. Although weeds are undesirable plants, but they have high medicinal values, thus their controlled cultivation might be necessary as extensive cultivation may have bad impact on normal crops. The information of weed species and their use to treat various ailments must be explored, preserved, documented, and transferred from generation to generation.Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Indigenous knowledge, Kanchanpur, Nepal, Weeds.