Affiliations: Department of International Environment and
Development Studies (Noragric) Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box
5003, N-1432, Ås, Norway | Department of Environmental Science and Engineering,
Kathmandu University PO Box 6250, Kathmandu, Nepal
Abstract: With increased market access and road links to urban centres,
settled agriculture in Nepal is becoming transformed into intensified cropping,
especially in peri- and semi-urban areas. On a global scale, major driving
factors for intensification are: population growth, lack of alternate
employment, profit motive, market access, road links, availability of
agricultural inputs and organizational cooperation. However, in Nepal the main
driving factor is necessity due to lack of other income opportunities. The
outcomes of agricultural intensification, namely, improved economic condition
of farmers with higher production and good market price are intended to address
the developmental challenges of high population growth, food deficit,
agricultural trade modalities, fragile ecology, and national policies. In spite
of soil fertility loss, erosion, workload and pollution, agricultural
intensification is found to be a viable option for better livelihood in
developing countries. This review paper discusses the global driving factors of
intensification in the local context highlighting their positive and negative
impacts.
Keywords: Cropping intensification, food deficit, Nepal, peri-urban, semi-urban, sustainable development
