KATHMANDU, Nov 25: The Government of Nepal has partnered with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a worldwide consortium of agricultural research institutions, to align the country’s agri-food, land, and water systems with national priorities and strengthen their resilience to climate-related challenges. As part of this effort, the Government of Nepal and CGIAR jointly organized the first integrated national consultation workshop in Kathmandu on Monday.
The CGIAR Country Strategy Framework (CSF) is being developed as a unified mechanism to expand CGIAR’s research and innovations in Nepal and align them with national policies in a more integrated and coordinated manner.
The workshop brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), National Planning Commission, provincial and local governments, CGIAR Centers, universities, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.
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According to the organizers, the framework is expected to link CGIAR programs more closely with government priorities, prevent duplication, expand partnerships, and support the nationwide scaling of tested solutions.
Earlier, the “CGIAR P25 Listening Sessions” held in 2024 had underscored the need for a more coordinated and institutional approach to integrating CGIAR programs in Nepal.
Speaking at the event, MoEWRI Joint Secretary Sushil Chandra Acharya said the framework is essential for tackling climate sensitivity and related challenges. “Our experience shows that water, land, biodiversity, and agri-food systems are interconnected. CGIAR’s integrated, research-based approach is crucial for addressing Nepal’s linked challenges,” he said.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Secretary Deepak Kumar Kharal noted that CGIAR has long contributed to Nepal’s agriculture, livestock, irrigation, nutrition, and climate adaptation efforts. “CGIAR’s research and innovations in climate change, food and nutrition security, and biodiversity have provided strong support to the government. The new strategy must offer clear guidance based on Nepal’s priorities and provide an implementable roadmap for all three tiers of government,” he said.
International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Nepal Country Representative and CGIAR Country Convener Manohara Khadka said the CSF offers an opportunity to align the strengths and expertise of all CGIAR Centers in Nepal under a shared national vision. “Active guidance from federal, provincial, and local governments will be vital. The co-designed CSF will be an important tool for strengthening partnership, coordination, and collaboration needed to scale CGIAR innovations in agri-food, land, and water systems,” she said.
Participants recommended forming a national-level Technical Advisory Committee to prepare CGIAR Centers’ work plans in an integrated and coordinated manner and to expand CGIAR’s research and innovation. They also suggested that the committee authorize the formation of working groups to co-develop the Country Strategy Framework, according to a statement issued by the IWMI Nepal Country Office.
