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This chapter explores the agricultural service delivery (ASD) by local governments (LGs) in Nepal following the country’s transition to a federal system. The research assesses the compliance of agriculture governance with the Local Government Operation Act (LGOA) and explores whether LGs meet farmers needs and demands. Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected from 21 municipalities through structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, and key informant interviews, and the data was evaluated against seven key worldwide governance indicators. The findings reveal that while there have been improvements in service accessibility and accountability, significant challenges remain regarding technical capacity, resource allocation, and participatory planning. The LGs significantly altered the practice of operating their roles and responsibilities, with greater autonomy on decisions that cater to their unique needs based on the LGOA. The Constitution of Nepal (2015) further empowered LGs with executive roles to devise strategies for governance that prioritize, plan, execute, and assess their actions. Results indicate that respondents perceive increased service accessibility, with a medium level of accountability (mean score of 2.58) and accurate information sharing (mean score of 2.73). However, the study also highlights shortcomings in participatory planning (mean score of 2.20) and the rule of law (mean score of 2.43). Social justice and transparency in service delivery were rated positively but concerns about fairness in procurement processes and the quality of services persist. Exploratory factor analysis identified three key factors influencing ASD: service delivery practices, municipal capacity, and service delivery structures. The study underscores the need for enhanced coordination among federal, provincial, and local institutions to improve ASD. To address these gaps, this study recommends capacity building for local government staff, adequate resource allocation, strengthening participatory planning processes, and promoting innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in agriculture service delivery.

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Improving Agriculture Service Delivery by Local Governments in Nepal: A Municipal Perspective

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Mahesh Jaishi,
  • Govinda Prasad Sharma,
  • Purna Bahadur Nepali,
  • Devendra Gauchan,
  • Huma Neupane,
  • Rajan Dhakal

摘要

This chapter explores the agricultural service delivery (ASD) by local governments (LGs) in Nepal following the country’s transition to a federal system. The research assesses the compliance of agriculture governance with the Local Government Operation Act (LGOA) and explores whether LGs meet farmers needs and demands. Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected from 21 municipalities through structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, and key informant interviews, and the data was evaluated against seven key worldwide governance indicators. The findings reveal that while there have been improvements in service accessibility and accountability, significant challenges remain regarding technical capacity, resource allocation, and participatory planning. The LGs significantly altered the practice of operating their roles and responsibilities, with greater autonomy on decisions that cater to their unique needs based on the LGOA. The Constitution of Nepal (2015) further empowered LGs with executive roles to devise strategies for governance that prioritize, plan, execute, and assess their actions. Results indicate that respondents perceive increased service accessibility, with a medium level of accountability (mean score of 2.58) and accurate information sharing (mean score of 2.73). However, the study also highlights shortcomings in participatory planning (mean score of 2.20) and the rule of law (mean score of 2.43). Social justice and transparency in service delivery were rated positively but concerns about fairness in procurement processes and the quality of services persist. Exploratory factor analysis identified three key factors influencing ASD: service delivery practices, municipal capacity, and service delivery structures. The study underscores the need for enhanced coordination among federal, provincial, and local institutions to improve ASD. To address these gaps, this study recommends capacity building for local government staff, adequate resource allocation, strengthening participatory planning processes, and promoting innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in agriculture service delivery.