Situation In Nepal Research Articles

Microfinance in Nepal: An Overview

This paper aims to explore the current challenges and opportunities of the microfinance sector in Nepal. The secondary data and descriptive research with a critical approach are adopted to explain the study. The data were mainly collected from Nepal Rastra Bank's (NRB) annual Reports, and other available literature. The result shows that the center numbers (numbers of microfinance user group) change ratio was reduced from 17.11% to 1.30%, the total group numbers were 13% to 2.88%, the borrower 7.51% to (-9.66%), staff progress 9.75% to (-3.48%), loan outstanding 41.18% to (-5.06), profit 150.53% to (-7238), active loan 40.26 to (-7.94), and saving 22.87 to 3.91 between 2020/2021 to 2022/2023. Similarly, the Overdue member change ratio increased upto 53.66%, the passive loan from 79.47% to 104.3%, and the NPL increased continuously from 2.56% to 5.52%. So, all microfinance institutions are in a critical situation in Nepal. However, microfinance is an important concept to reduce poverty and unemployment. Further, it enhances easy access to financial institutions in rural where large banking institutions are merely available. However, microfinance in Nepal is facing critical challenges as many fraud cases are emerging. The policy implication is crucial as policymakers should formulate both long-term and short-term policies and implement those policies immediately in microfinance to revive the critical current situation.

Continuation of Learning During COVID-19 Situation in Nepal

This study explored the obstacles and ways of continuation for learning faced by school teachers during and after the COVID-19 situation. The quantitative cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. All the school teachers of Nepal were the population for this study and the sample size was 226. The online survey method was adopted for the data collection tools. A set of closed and open-ended questionnaires were distributed to respondents and data was collected using Google Forms. The study seeks the relationship between the independent variables (age, experience of teaching, school location, teacher’s residence, access to the internet, access to digital devices, knowledge about ICTs interest in online teaching) and dependent variables (continuation of online teaching). It was found that the community teaching and homework/ assignment methods were applicable to the rural areas. Continuing online teaching would be inconvenient for the students who had no internet access. According to the teacher's response, it was found that about 90% of students had no access to the internet. Although online teaching was suitable for the COVID-19 situation, it was biased for the maximum number of students. The teacher's interest and the obstacles in the online class and continuation of learning are significantly co-related (0.003 and 0.000 respectively). There was no significant difference between male and female teachers in continuation for online learning but a greater percentage of males are involved in online classes than females. The experienced teachers equally continued their learning of digital skills. There was a problem with the internet/ wifi/ 3G/ 4G network in rural areas. Teacher adjusted their teaching and learning activities even if they had no access to a laptop. The study concludes that teachers are ready for online classes and they regularly update their digital skills with changing times but digital divides created a serious problem with conducting online classes. So, the Government of Nepal should pay attention to teacher training, integration of digital skills in the curriculum, and proper allocation of budget for infrastructure development.

Aging Trend and Pattern in Nepal

Population aging is taking place rapidly in Nepal. The purpose of this article is to present the aging situation in Nepal. Data from different published sources are used in this article. There are 29.1 million older people in Nepal as of the 2021 census. The proportion of older people 60 years and older reached 10.12 percent of the total population. The older population growth rate is 3.29%. The proportion of older people increased by 38% in the last decade. Mountain and Hill have a higher proportion of older people while Terai has a slightly low. The proportion of older people living in rural areas is higher than in urban areas. Gandaki, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces have a higher proportion of older people compared to the national average. On the other hand, Madhesh, Lumbini, Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces have a lower proportion of older people. Understanding these geographical variations through the National level study is necessary. Such a study can aid in formulating targeted policies and services to cater to the specific needs of older populations in each area. By taking proper actions through policies, Nepal can ensure that its aging population continues to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Stakeholders' Perspectives on the "Helping Babies Breathe" Program Situation in Nepal Following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted healthcare systems, including resuscitation training programs such as Helping Babies Breathe (HBB). Nepal, a country with limited healthcare resources, faces challenges in delivering effective HBB training, managing deliveries, and providing neonatal care, particularly in remote areas. This study assessed HBB skills and knowledge postpandemic through interviews with key stakeholders in Nepal. It aimed to identify strategies, adaptations, and innovations to address training gaps and scale-up HBB. A qualitative approach was used, employing semistructured interviews about HBB program effectiveness, pandemic challenges, stakeholder engagement, and suggestions for improvement. The study encompassed interviews with 23 participants, including HBB trainers, birth attendants, officials, and providers. Thematic analysis employed a systematic approach by deducing themes from study aims and theory. Data underwent iterative coding and refinement to synthesize content yielding following 5 themes: (1) pandemic's impact on HBB training; (2) resource accessibility for training postpandemic; (3) reviving HBB training; (4) impacts on the neonatal workforce; and (5) elements influencing HBB training progress. Postpandemic, healthcare workers in Nepal encounter challenges accessing essential resources and delivering HBB training, especially in remote areas. Adequate budgeting and strong commitment from healthcare policy levels are essential to reduce neonatal mortality in the future.

The crux of wildlife trafficking in Nepal

Abstract Nepal is a biodiversity-rich country harboring endangered wildlife species. Despite commendable achievements in conserving charismatic wildlife species like the Tiger and Rhinoceros, Nepal is still a pivotal point for the illicit wildlife trade. In this perspective, we explore the current situation of wildlife poaching and smuggling, factors conducive to such activities, and present some minimum practitioner steps for what should be tried to prevent such a situation in Nepal.

Insights on historical milestones of mental health in Nepal: Country profile.

The present paper has highlighted the mental health development in Nepal. It covers the current state of mental health system and services and a throwback on the significant changes over a period of time. This review grabs a sneak into mental health plan/policies, prevalence; health facilities and human resources, monitoring and supervision, budget allocation, nongovernmental sector involvement, and international agreements. Every description in this paper is substantially based on the progression made at the different time frames, which provides clear understanding of the mental health situation in Nepal. Furthermore, this article throws insights on the main challenges to overcome the current situation on mental health and the associated treatment gap due to stigma toward mental illness, lack of appropriate budget allocation, shortage of human resources, and fear of discrimination.

Review of Veterinary Legislation for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals and its Situation in Nepal

Available within the full article

Schooling beyond the school: workplace learning in Nepal

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the formal workplace learning situation in Nepal and argue that workplace learning is not in priority in Nepali Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) despite a regular policy emphasis.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered using both desk-based review of pre-diploma and diploma-level curricula and semi-structured interviews with eight employers and six technical school principals. Coded themes were interpreted in the meaning-making process.FindingsWorkplace skills learning in Nepal has remained a neglected agenda. Despite some successful implementation practices and policy recognition, it is stagnated. Employers expect skills in graduates relevant to their demands. However, unfortunately, there needs to be more trust for a culture of shared responsibilities among employers and TVET providers for arranging the provisions so that the learners can acquire the skills that the employers need. There is a blaming game between them, which has ultimately resulted in the poor arrangement of workplace learning.Practical implicationsTVET providers’ and employers’ engaged participation in recognizing and developing workplace learning for making the learning as per the needs of the world of work could benefit them and also support students to upgrade and acquire employability skills.Originality/valueThis paper is based on empirical data and contributes new knowledge in academia which is still rare in the context of Nepal.

Forest Governance in Nepal concerning Sustainable Community Forest Management and Red Panda Conservation

This paper investigates issues confronting forest management and sustainability, focusing on the governance of the community forest user group (CFUG) initiative in Nepal. The paper begins with a literature review to give a general overview of the historical and current situation of forest governance in Nepal. It explores the historical impacts of unsustainable logging in Nepal and the World Bank Report, which both investigated and explored avenues for improving the forest situation, including community forestry. The paper outlines the development of community forestry, the legislative, regulatory, and governance frameworks underpinning this unique system of community-driven forest management, and its relationship to sustainable forest management (SFM). SFM in turn has engendered a market for sustainably derived timber and labeling systems for ‘good’ wood. The paper continues by providing an analysis of stakeholder attitudes regarding the current forest governance situation in Nepal. Furthermore, it provides another small case study on how such standards might be applied in the local community context of protecting Nepal’s Red Panda while simultaneously delivering sustainable forest management and community development. It concludes with a discussion on the need for governance standards for forest management and community forestry in Nepal.

Aging Trend and Situation in Nepal

Aging is a natural lifelong process until death. The proportions of the older population are increasing rapidly in Nepal too. There are 2.97 million older people in Nepal as of the 2021 census which is a 38.2% increase compared to the previous census of 2011. The proportion of the older population reached 10.21% of the total population of Nepal. During this decade, Nepal’s average population growth rate is 0.92% and the older population growth rate is 3.29% per year. On the other hand, Nepal’s total fertility is below replacement level, infant mortality is around 23 per thousand live births and average life expectancy is now around 71 years. The median age of Nepal is 25 years and the index of aging increased rapidly from 23.3 in 2011 to 36.7 in the 2021 census of Nepal. These indicators show aging is taking place rapidly and the caregiving burden may increase rapidly in the coming days due to the tendency of migration of the young population to other countries. In this context, the Nepal government needs to focus on how to manage the population and provide quality services and social security for the growing older people of Nepal.

Nepal’s Geo-Stretegic Significance, Challenges And Opportunities

Geo-strategic significance is an important factor for the development and prosperity of the country. Nepal’s geo-strategic location, crammed between India and China, has its challenges and opportunities. Due to its unique location, Nepal is getting heightened attention from great powers. The factor of having a strategic location doesn’t quite guarantee the nation’s sovereignty, prosperity and growth rather it needs conscious and constructive efforts. Being a buffer state, security situation in Nepal is always a major concern for both neighbors. Traditionally India had an important role in Nepal’s economic cooperation, trade, transit and investment. After Nepal’s transition to a republic state China’s support has seemly increased in Nepal with its investment in development projects, increased bilateral visits, bilateral mechanism and cultural cooperation. China’s increased role in Nepal can understood as competing other global power’s geo-strategic interests. Question arises, whether Nepal has geostrategic significance because of its location, which could be capitalized for growth of the nation and at the same time carefully; formulate its foreign policy while balancing its diplomacy to avoid precipitation of a spiral of counterbalancing intrusion? Nepal should carefully analyze these global powers and its emerging foreign policies and should devise its diplomatic exercise prioritizing Nepal’s national interests and keeping perfect balance among them.

'Being' with research participants

The global Covid-19 pandemic has severely hit the lives of the people of Nepal. The country witnessed two phases of lockdown over 10 months from March 2020 until August 2021. I completed my PhD data collection in Nepal through February to April 2021, when the pandemic’s risk was naturally lowered. My research explores local value systems of communities involved in school governance in Lalitpur, Nepal. Accordingly, my participants included schools’ stakeholders: parents, teachers, locals, Education Officers and elected representatives. The Covid-19 situation in Nepal requires social distancing and mask wearing while talking with others. In my experience these health protocols disrupted my aims to develop rapport and build close, trusting relationships with my research participants. In this article, I reflect on ways I sought to build relationships of trust with my participants before conducting interviews amid Covid-19 regulations. I narrate my experiences as a Nepalese citizen and researcher in uncertain times. This research might be useful to researchers in establishing a relationship with participants, applying face to face interviews in unfavourable situations such as a pandemic.

Strengthen health systems to achieve the SDG targets for healthy children: Evidence on access to medicines situation in Nepal.

Strengthen health systems to achieve the SDG targets for healthy children: Evidence on access to medicines situation in Nepal.

Role of the National Human Rights Commission for the Protection of Human Rights in Nepal

The article aims to analyze the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the protection and promotion of human rights in Nepal. As a constitutional body, NHRC has the key role in the effective protection of the rights of the people which are safeguarded by the constitution and scattered laws. Article 249 of the Constitution of Nepal 2015 has clearly mentioned that it is the duty of the National Human Rights Commission to ensure the respect, protection, and promotion of human rights and its effective implementation. National Human Rights Commission Act, 2012 provides authority to NHRC to protect and promote human rights through inquiries and investigations based on the complaint lodged to the commission by the victim or any person on his/her behalf or upon information received from any source or on its own initiative. Despite the formulation of laws related to human rights, the implementation side is complicated. Use of children in the election, discrimination, labor exploitation of foreign migrant workers, and cases of domestic violence are increasing and the condition of earthquake survivors and the corona pandemic is more pathetic. Thus, the article argues that impunity still persists and the NHRC recommendations have not been implemented and it has not been able to work as per the constitutional mandate. The finding of the study is human rights situation of Nepal is still worrying. The analysis is significant as it helps to understand the human rights situation in Nepal and the functional role played by NHRC to protect human rights as the constitutional commission.

Understanding COVID-19 Situation in Nepal and Implications for SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Management.

Background:The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), one of the most infectious diseases in the modern history, is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has had a profound health and economic toll, globally. This paper identifies the overall health status associated with COVID-19 pandemic in all 7 provinces of Nepal, a developing country in South Asia, analyzing data from January 2020 to February 2022. It focuses on the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, transmission through wastewater and other routes, diagnostics, treatment options, and alternative medicines, thereby offering key perspectives for its management.Materials and Methods:Studies regarding coronavirus spanning the 2017 to 2022 period were searched on the web, Nepalese database, and Web of Science. Refined criteria included SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater of Nepal or worldwide. Demographic data (sex, age-group, and geographic location) were also obtained from websites and relevant reports of the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) of Nepal, ranging from January 2020 to February 2022. Moreover, trends concerning lockdown, business, and border activities in Nepal between February 2020 and October 2020 were evaluated. The viral dissemination pathways, diagnosis, and available treatment options, including the Ayurvedic medicine, were also examined.Results:Aerosols generated during the hospital, industrial, recreational, and household activities were found to contribute to the propagation of SARS-CoV-2 into environmental wastewater, thereby putting the surrounding communities at risk of infection. When lockdown ended and businesses opened in October 2020, the number of active cases of COVID-19 increased exponentially. Bagmati Province had the highest number of cases (53.84%), while the remaining 6 provinces tallied 46.16%. Kathmandu district had the highest number of COVID-19 cases (138, 319 cases), while Manang district had the smallest number of infections (81 cases). The male population was found to be predominantly infected (58.7%). The most affected age groups were the 31 to 40 years old males (25.92%) and the 21 to 30 years old females (26.85%).Conclusion:The pandemic impacted the public health and economic growth in our study duration. SARS-CoV-2 was prevalent in the wastewater of Nepal. The Terai districts and the megacities were mostly affected by SARS-CoV-2 infections. Working-age groups and males were identified as the highest risk groups. More investigations on the therapeutic and alternative cures are recommended. These findings may guide the researchers and professionals with handling the COVID-19 challenges in developing countries such as Nepal and better prepare for future pandemics.

Socio-cultural Perspective of Senior Citizens Health Status in Nepal

This study examines the elderly people’s health status differentials according to selected background variables on the basis of Ageing Survey 2014. The general objective of the study is to identify the health status of elderly people in socio-cultural perspective. This study examined the associations of different twelve socio-cultural factors with combination of health outcome (Good or Bad) in older age by applying the cross tables, Chi squire test and binary logistic regression analysis. These variables are selected on the basis of theoretical and empirical studies sighted in the literature reviews. This research is find out only three major socio-cultural factors that make variation determine in the health status of elderly people in Nepal. General literacy status does not impact the elderly health situation in Nepal so high level education need to elderly to improve health status of elderly. Highly appreciating and follow up elderly advices help to increase health status of elderly so it should be utilized in most societies of Nepal. Only Kirat religion elderly are found to be in good health condition than Hindu religion. So other religions of Nepal have not significant impact on health status of elderly compare to Hindu religion.

High multidrug resistance in urinary tract infections in a tertiary hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.

SETTING:Tribhuvan University Teaching Tertiary Care Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, May–October 2019.OBJECTIVE:1) To describe the bacteriological profile, 2) to identify the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern, and 3) to find the demographic characteristics associated with the presence of bacterial growth and multidrug resistance (MDR) in adult urine samples undergoing culture and drug susceptibility testing.DESIGN:This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study using routine laboratory records.RESULTS:Among 11,776 urine samples, 16% (1,865/11,776) were culture-positive, predominantly caused by Escherichia coli (1,159/1,865; 62%). We found a high prevalence of resistance to at least one antibiotic (1,573/1,865; 84%) and MDR (1,000/1,865; 54%). Resistance to commonly used antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as ceftazidime, levofloxacin, cefepime and ampicillin was high. Patients aged ⩾60 years (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.7) were more likely to have culture positivity. Patients with age ⩾45 years (45–59 years: aPR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–1.7; ⩾60 years: aPR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.6), male sex (aPR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.5) and from inpatient settings (aPR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.7) had significantly higher prevalence of MDR.CONCLUSION:Urine samples from a tertiary hospital showed high prevalence of E. coli and MDR to routinely used antibiotics, especially among inpatients. Regular surveillance and application of updated antibiograms are crucial to monitor the AMR situation in Nepal.

Challenges and Opportunities of Online Education during Covid-19 Situation in Nepal

Nearly all governments around the world have temporarily closed educational institutions due to Covid-19 pandemic which are affecting up to 60% of the world’s student. Around, near to 200 countries closed their schools are interrupting the education of more than 1.5 billion young people and impact in long-term social and economic consequences. The aim of the meta-analysis is to evaluate the challenges and opportunities of online education during Covid-19 situation in Nepal by performing a systematic Meta analysis of related published literature. The Meta analysis was done diverse subjects and diverse research design was eligible among the 11 full-text articles. A formal extraction protocol was the PRISMA-P. Main finding of analysis is to offer an opportunity to shift to online learning and interaction and use virtual platforms for e-conference, webinars, podcasts, online class/ online-lectures etc. Opportunities for being continuations of academic career from any part of country; increase learning outcome among job holders. The changes in education technique, modality and process, which may required extra effort initially, provides teacher, faculty and facilitator the forcedly to keep pace with current trends in technology. This study recognized challenges as unequal access and quality of internet conveniences; affordability of laptops/computers; limited interaction; and frequent disturbances.

A Critical Analysis of English Language Teaching Situation in Nepal

Critical pedagogy (CP) is an educational movement that primarily aims to support the students in developing a consciousness of freedom so that they can connect the knowledge to power for social reformation. The supporters of CP argue that language teachers should emphasise developing the social skills of the learners along with language skills. Studies show that many English language teachers may have inadequate knowledge and skills about CP and the spirit of CP may not be followed while designing curriculum and writing textbooks. The purpose of the study was to examine the use of CP in English Language Teaching (ELT) focusing on classroom practices, curriculum designing and textbook writing at the secondary level. For this, I used a qualitative research design in which data were collected from six English teachers through in-depth interviews from three schools. I investigated that while designing curriculum, selecting textbooks, and making ELT policy, CP has not been practically implemented. Language policy, curriculum and textbooks are designed by a specific group and imposed on the teachers and learners. There has been a political influence in ELT policy as well. However, some teachers were found positive to CP and implemented it in the classroom, but they demanded special training.

Review of Underground Space Utilization and its Relevance in Nepal

Underground space, both open-cut and fully underground method, has been in use throughout the world for mining, storage, waterway, transport, and others from past centuries. But still the clear demarcation of ownership in terms of surface and underground is not clear in most parts of the world. The concept of underground space utilization is an evolving concept. The developed nations have opted for this option to accommodate growing urbanization need. Two modes of space utilization are reviewed for this paper, open excavation and full underground excavation. Also world case scenario is presented and is compared to the situation in Nepal. Social factors and geological factors in the context of Nepal are also addressed that have been crucial in case of some completed projects. Ambiguous underground rights in relation to surface ownership in Nepal is taken in account and example of some cities like Singapore, Tokyo, Helsinki is presented to make it clear how right segregation is possible and is needed for better underground space utilization. Historical evolution of Tunneling in Nepal is discussed along with the future designed and scheduled projects. Despite the geological complexity and lack of experienced manpower in the context of Himalayan geology the importance of underground space is highlighted because emerging researches and technological innovation around the world and also in Nepal have been confirming this concept now and again. As a conclusion for betterment and well managed cities in Nepal underground space would be an undefeated option in the long run.