Strengthening Agroecology in Nepal: A New Partnership Between Groundswell International and Tribhuvan University
Groundswell International is proud to announce a new partnership with Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal, to advance natural farming and agroecology in Nepal through collaborative research, education, and field-based learning. This partnership is a promising step forward for sustainable agriculture in South Asia, deepening academic-practitioner collaboration, equipping the next generation of food systems leaders, and strengthening climate-resilient food systems rooted in ecological knowledge.
About Tribhuvan University
Established in 1959, Tribhuvan University is Nepal’s oldest and largest academic institution, headquartered in the historic town of Kirtipur, Kathmandu. Tribhuvan University is home to a vast network of faculties and affiliated colleges across the country, playing a vital role in democratizing access to higher education. With a strong emphasis on research and knowledge exchange, Tribhuvan University’s Department of Agriculture Botany and Ecology is well-positioned to bridge academic knowledge with field and community-based agroecological practice.
Advancing agroecological knowledge through research
At the heart of this partnership lies a shared commitment to advancing agroecology and natural farming in Nepal. Groundswell International and Tribhuvan University will collaborate on joint research projects comparing conventional, chemical-based agricultural methods with natural farming and agroecological approaches. These research efforts will include:
- Field trials to study on-farm outcomes
- Laboratory experiments to explore soil and crop health
- Socio-economic studies to understand adoption and community impact
The findings will be published in academic journals and shared via workshops and online platforms to strengthen the global knowledge base on agroecology.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Measuring impact on the ground
Groundswell International will support Tribhuvan University in developing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of agroecological practices, training programs, and research outcomes. We will co-create indicators and feedback loops to ensure continuous learning and adaptive strategies that respond to local needs.
Building local capacity for advancing agroecology in Nepal
One of the core pillars of this collaboration is capacity building. Faculty and students will gain hands-on knowledge in:
- Soil health management
- Biodiversity conservation
- Integrated pest management
- Water resource stewardship
- Sustainable crop production
By strengthening academic knowledge with practical skills, Tribhuvan University will be better equipped to train Nepal’s next generation of agroecological leaders.
Field-based learning for students
The partnership will offer internship and fieldwork opportunities for the Department of Agriculture Botany and Ecology students. In collaboration with Groundswell’s partner NGOs in Nepal, RWUA and BBP Pariwar, students will participate in real-world projects, ranging from seed conservation to regenerative farming, building practical experience in the field.
Workshops, seminars, and resource sharing
Tribhuvan University and Groundswell will organize workshops, seminars, and guest lectures to foster dialogue between researchers, farmers, and policymakers. The partnership will also support resource sharing through access to curriculum materials, case studies, and research publications that deepen the academic community’s understanding of agroecological systems.
Expanding the agroecology network
This collaboration will strengthen networks across Nepal and beyond. Groundswell International will help connect Tribhuvan University with regional and global agroecology stakeholders—academics, practitioners, and donors—opening new avenues for knowledge exchange, innovation, and funding.
This partnership marks an important step in aligning academic exploration with grassroots transformation to advance agroecology in Nepal and South Asia. By combining the scientific rigor of Tribhuvan University with the field-based expertise of Groundswell International and its partners, we aim to develop solutions that respond to today’s most pressing agricultural, ecological, and social challenges.