Examining Small Millet-Based Food and Livelihood Security: A case study of semi-arid mountain communities in Nepal

• Main Author: Dukpa, Rinchu Doma
• Other Authors: Henley, Thomas (Natural Resources Institute) Patel, Kirit (Natural Resources Institute)
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Food security; Endowments; Entitlements; Capabilities; Small millets; Kodo; Developing country; Nepal; Markets; Market chain; Value chain; Women; Rinchu Doma Dukpa; Darjeeling
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/14913

The majority of households in the hill regions of Nepal are net consumers of their agricultural produce. The harsh geographical topography, low landholdings and uncertain weather make households in the hills more susceptible to food insecurity. This research examines the role of small millets in achieving food and livelihood security for the people of Dhikur Pokhari VDC in Nepal. As a project based on qualitative research, data was collected through semi-structured interviews, observations and focus group discussions. In addition, market and value chain analysis for small millets was conducted. The findings show that small millets have a significant role in ensuring food security, particularly for the marginalized households. The findings also show that, through their exchange properties, small millets contributed towards generating household livelihoods. Further, findings revealed the existing formal and informal markets for small millets and showed a direct correlation between small millets-based market, and food and livelihood security for the people of Dhikur Pokhari VDC.