A thesis submitted in partial ful{uFB01}llment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998

In view of the growing concern about the strategies of securing livelihoods in the hills of Nepal, this study examined the people{u2019}s changing strategies for securing livelihoods and explored development problems and potentials in Bhattedanda VDC of Lalitpur District. This study was based on a household survey and rapid rural appraisal. A comparative study of the hill-slepe and foothill villages revealed fanners being engaged primarily in {uFB01}eld crop cultivation and khuwa making. After construction of feeder road and installation of a ropeway, farmers switched over to fresh milk selling, as it was more pro{uFB01}table than khuwa making. This contributed reduce the demand for fuelwood required for khuwa making. Likewise, the availability of infrastructure combined with the use of piped water for irrigation enabled women farmers to embark on vegetable farming. Mostly small and women farmers were engaged in vegetables farming to supplement their small amount of households{u2019} eamings. Availability of transportation facilities consigned with the use of piped water for irrigation enabled. Provision of a service center and marketing facilities were other factors, which contributed to bring about a change in the livelihood system. Milk production, goat raising, vegetable production and daily wages were the important sources of income. Cottage industries, small business and services were other sources of earnings. By virtue of easy access to feeder road, ropeway and market, the farmers in foothill villages earned the considerably higher amount of income from the sale of farm produces compared with farmers in hill-slope villages. Agriculture has been the major component of the economy in the study area. Speci{uFB01}cally, milk production and goat raising are highly pro{uFB01}table activities as compared to {uFB01}eld crop cultivation. Thus, there is good proSpect for livestock development. Mustard, legumes, and fruits are potential cash crops in both locatiOns. Emphasis should be given to enhance infrastructure for commercialization and ef{uFB01}cient marketing of agricultural products. In this regard, the expansion of ropeway facilities in neighbouring villages would pave the way for improving livelihood system. It is also necessary to provide essential support services and facilities.