Confirmation of Candidature - Candidate : Rajan Budhathoki

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L) is a prehistorically iconic crop, valued mostly for sturdy fibers, insignificantly as intoxicant and oilseed crop to some limit. After 20th century hiatus, the crop is set for a bounce back due to diverse range of eco-friendly products and profitability that piqued global interest (including Nepal) on it. The study will be conducted in Kankri and Khabang villages of Bhume rural municipality (RM) and Pelma and Maikot villages of Putha Uttarganga RM located in Rukum East district, Nepal. This study aims to assess financial returns for different hemp value chains actors from three hemp unique production regimes (i.e., private, national, and communal forests) of western Nepal. Specific objectives are, 1) comparative assessment of financial returns of hemp farmers among these three production regimes (O1) 2) value chain analysis (O2) and 3) assessment of financial performance of three major hemp-based products (O3). 

Primary data collection will employ mixed method research approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data will be gathered through key informants' interviews (KIIs), workshops and value chain participants interview using semi-structured questionnaire and structured questionnaire guided household surveys will collect quantitative data. Objective specific data analysis will include comparative net present (NPV) estimation of individual household sourcing hemp from three different production regimes (O1); value chain mapping, SWOT analysis and regression analysis through an appropriate econometric model via a machine learning technique (O2); and estimation of profit margin of three different hemp products across different value chain actors (O3). The lobbying groups, researchers, and the proponents of hemp can use this information as a basis to institutionalize and commercialize the hemp sector. 

This study can be more relevant to other nations with similar developing economy who are considering hemp value chain development and where smallholder farmers dominate the agrarian culture. Methodological approach developed in this study (financial analysis, VCA etc) can be replicated in other parts of the world. As piecemeal research on hemp in different countries shows that it is the future crop for farmers, future crop for hemp industry, future crop for Nepal as whole.

For more information, please email the Graduate Research School or phone 0746 31 1088.