| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2000 |
| Authors | Kaphle, K,; Devkota, N, R. |
| Journal Title | Proceedings of the National Level Workshop on Improved Strategies for Identifying and Addressing Fodder Deficits in the Mid-Hills of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal, 5th-6th September, 2000 |
| Pagination | 112-117 |
| Key Words | community involvement; crop management; fodder; fodder plants; multipurpose trees; trees; (92) |
| Abstract | A study of fodder tree species to understand common management practices, their roles and potentials as feeding materials was conducted in the mid hills of Nepal. The study was based on personal observation, group discussions, and interviews with key informants. Purposively selected village development committees (VDC's) of Gulmi and Dhading districts were used to obtain primary information. Available literatures were also reviewed to obtain associated information. It was revealed that ruminants are found in almost every household in the mid hills where fodder trees and crop residues are their main diet. The fodder trees are one of the main sources of nutrition for the animals and their importance is most felt in dry seasons when grasses and other crop residues are either scarce or unpalatable. The farmers have a traditional inherited knowledge about the fodder trees but they lack in cultivation and management technologies, and in most cases are unconscious about the value of the fodder being provided thus the parameters considered are the palatability and availability of fodder. Both socio economical and technical constraints were found to be involved considerably in the path of development of fodder trees in the mid hills of Nepal. The need for natural resource management and challenge to feed the increasing population brings forward fodder trees as a nature's sustainable alternative to livestock feeding. Their importance, however, needs to be highlighted and available information disseminated to utilize this source judiciously and scientifically to get maximum benefit. The study has paved some ways to identify constraints in the path of development for fodder trees along with other natural resources like of herbs and other non timber species forest products their utilization and preservations. |
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