Sociopolitical And Economic Perspectives Of The Integration Of Agricultural Research, Extension And Education At Local Government Of Nepal

Abstract

The essence of agricultural research, extension and education (AREE) linkage and integration lies in the interrelation between the three levels of social reality: Socio, political and economic reality.  The linkage and integration of AREE at the local government level in Nepal have become increasingly crucial and evident after enactment of Local Government Operation Act 2017.This study explores two research questions: a) What are the underlying issues that most significantly affect the linkage and integration of agricultural research, extension, and education (AREE) at the local government level? b) How can these issues be addressed through the effective management of political economy perspectiveswithin local governments? The methodology used is combination of participant observation, review of literatures, key informant interview and consultation with service providers at local, provincial and federal levels. The paper presents an attempt to apply a socio-political economy approach to objectivelystudy integrationphenomena.Three subsystem connection with farmers via multi-stakeholder’s community platform is a powerful approach to strengthen the agriculture innovation system. This connection encourages a more favorable environment for responding to demand and supply dynamics through both formal and informal networks. Federal, provincial and local government must have linked having three distinct are of lead: Organization and policy, structures and resources and, service delivery. The paper concludes that better integration mechanisms are needed between the municipality and AREE activities of the ward level- the lowest unit within the federal structure to address the demands and needs of the rural communities.