Nepal is a country with a long history of agriculture. However, in recent years, farmers have faced many challenges, including climate change, pests and diseases, and limited market access. To help farmers overcome these challenges, the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) works to increase the adoption of resource-conserving and climate-resilient technologies and improve farmers’ access to market information and marketing skills. CSISA supports female farmers by improving their access and exposure to agricultural mechanization, knowledge and business skills.

Overall, the survey data shows that Facebook groups are a valuable resource for farmers. They can be used to communicate and share information about agricultural practices, market prices and weather conditions. However, farmers need help using Facebook groups, such as poor network service and high data costs. These challenges could be addressed by increasing the number of users and filtering inappropriate/irrelevant content. It has helped farmers by allowing them to share knowledge and experiences. In the past, farmers often had to rely on word-of-mouth or textbooks to learn about new farming techniques. However, Facebook groups allow farmers to connect and share information in real time. This has helped farmers to learn about new practices and technologies to improve crop yields and incomes.

The Agriculture Mechanical Equipment Services Facebook group was created by CSISA in Nepal and financially supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID/Nepal in four key clusters (Dang, Nepalgunj, Surkhet and Kailali) in 2020. During the country’s lockdown due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, these groups rose. Nepal’s agriculture sector has long been the backbone of its economy, but it has recently grappled with multifaceted challenges. Climate change, pests and diseases, and limited market access have impeded the growth and sustainability of this sector. To combat these issues, CSISA stepped up with a novel approach — leveraging the widespread reach and engagement potential of Facebook groups. CSISA’s “Krishi Auzar Sewa” group became a digital platform for farmers seeking information, advice and support. The group quickly became a valuable resource for farmers, providing them with information, advice and support. Having 15,133 active members in the Facebook group, the dynamic visuals of Facebook groups is available online.

The Facebook group has also helped raise awareness of farmers’ challenges. The group has hosted discussions on climate change, pests and diseases, and market access. These discussions have helped to educate farmers about the challenges they face, and they have also helped to develop solutions to these challenges. These are just a few examples of how local Facebook groups are helping farmers in Nepal. These groups can be a powerful tool for empowering agricultural communities and improving the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. Please click for detailed information about the public polls and the full article here.