Study on Devolution/ Decentralization Model of Agriculture Service Delivery In Nepal

Project Description

Nepal has pursued devolution model of decentralization, which advocates for active role of local government bodies in delivering basic services at local level. Based on the recommendation of a High Level Decentralization Coordination Committee formed under the Chairpersonship of the Prime Minister in 1996, the Local Self-Governance Act (LSGA) was enacted in 1999. It has statutorily recognized the role of LBs to enhance local self-governance system in the country which is based on devolution of power and authority and try to promote responsiveness and accountability towards their populace. As stated in the government policy and strategy, the overarching goal of decentralized governance is to promote good governance, strengthen pluralistic democracy and reduce poverty at local level. Following the spirit of the Local Self-Governance Act, the government has taken several initiatives that ensure devolution of agricultural services to local bodies, partnerships with the private sectors and NGOs and contracting out some of the extension functions to COs, Civil Society organizations and the private sector. Specifically, with the APP strategy, MOAC has been attempting to transform the centralized, supply-driven delivery of various agricultural services into a more decentralized system within the policy and legal framework of LSGA. In this context, the concern of this study was to review the present status of devolution of agriculture service and suggest appropriate strategies and implementation modalities including institutional set-up to promote decentralized agriculture service delivery system in the country.

Assignment Description

Following were the major tasks undertaken by the consultants: • Reviewed the situation of agriculture service delivery in Nepal with focus on the recent decentralized system envisioned by the LSGA, 1999. • Analyzed current status of the policies on devolution / decentralization of agriculture service delivery in Nepal • Identified the policy issues, policy inconsistencies and gaps • Analyzed/studied various models of agriculture service delivery in Nepal • Identified/analyzed the shortcomings in decentralized agriculture service delivery and suggested appropriate remedies • Reviewed the shortcomings in the existing devolution process. • Suggested the appropriate programmes / activities for decentralized agricultural service delivery; • Proposed full fledged devolution strategy, role and responsibilities; Following major activities were carried out: • Review of the existing information on decentralization • Consultation and interaction with key stakeholders, resource persons, experts and institutions • Brainstorming session with concern key stakeholders and experts • Stakeholder interaction and interview including DADO, DLSO, local government, NGOs/INGOs and other service providers active in the district visited • Interview, interaction and focus group discussion with beneficiaries to capture their perception on appropriateness of agriculture service provision. The deliverables were: • A comprehensive report on the agriculture service devolution • Presented the major outcomes at the Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting and CADIC meeting