This chapter deal with the hypotheses put forward to set out the research objective. To achieve the formulated objective, research questions are prepared which are based on the problem identified during the research period. Research question are guided generally by literatures and lays directions towards the development of right methodology to have expected outcome.
3.1 Hypothesis
1. Land areas of Kathmandu valley used to cultivate different races of indigenous types of vegetable crops from the very beginning. In this area it appears that vegetable cultivation practices are decreasing considerably due to some obstacles. So, first hypothesis is set as land and soil of Kathmandu valley may be selectively suitable site for vegetable crops, considerable number of selective pocket area can be identified to support vegetable farming.
2. It is expected to obtain best output on suitability analysis with collective application of participatory research appraisal as a “bottom-up” approach and land evaluation framework of FAO (1976), experts’ opinion and government policies as “top-down” approach. There could be area specific modification on the suitability evaluation procedures.
3. Use of the social and economic parameter on land suitability can reflect real on farm scenario to produce promising result. This situation can effectively be handled with GIS and multi-criteria analysis. So another hypothesis can be set as application of GIS technology for databases processing, help on strengthening reliability of the result. Similarly the integration of GIS and AHP is the demanding method for the result oriented and meaningful land evaluation approach for the land area with rough topography and climatically variable area like hilly region of Nepal. Therefore, Kathmandu being one of the representative areas in this process brings real time, authentic and reliable land suitability classification map.
3.2 Objectives of the Study
Kathmandu Valley? The study will enumerate existing land use system, land capability and preparation of land inventory in order to produce the land suitability classification through application of AHP and GIS for the selected vegetable crops.
The specific objectives are;
1. To analyze the transformation pattern of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses in the Kathmandu Valley.
2. To develop the land information system (LIS), databases of study area.
3. To develop a land suitability model for Vegetable crop in peri-urban and rural areas of Kathmandu valley and develop model of to attain nutritional security.
4. To make analysis of the environmental, social-economic, and infrastructural conditions prevailing in the Kathmandu Valley.
5. To assess suitability integrating multi-criteria analysis and GIS making use of existing geo-database.
6. To suggest the policy guidelines that could effectively maintain sustainable balance between agriculture and non-agricultural sectors and reduce vegetable dependency out side the Valley.
3.3 Rationale of the study
Improper urban development can cause an adverse impact on agricultural land use and environmental conditions also on the livelihoods of poor inhabitants of the area. Unplanned urban growth in the valley may worsen the quality and quantity of agricultural land and its productivity in the long run. It may also have an adverse impact on agriculture-dependent disadvantaged groups in the valley. It may attract the rural poor, who will then transform into urban poor. There is a need for study on the impact of urban development on agricultural land use as well as urban poverty.
Contribution of the vegetable production from the valley land area is 23%, which could be increase to 71% with proper utilization of land and cropping pattern (Pradhan & Perara, 2005). So identification of the suitable land areas for specific vegetable seems pre-requisite. The research outcomes will expect to benefit the urban planners and policy makers and agricultural sector in the following ways:
a. Identification of the role of the government in managing agricultural land area and also plan for urban environment in the Valley.
b. The study will facilitate the conceptualization and formulation of sustainable agriculture policy to attain sustainable vegetable production and reduce adverse environmental impacts associated with cultivation
3.4 Research Questions
The soil quality of Kathmandu valley is traditionally known for the vegetable cultivation since very beginning but adoption of new and modern technology in horticultural sector is in very sluggish pace in comparison with the population out burst. Kathmandu valley is home for more and more economically active population. Being capital of the country selective migration from rural parts of the nation for employment and security is very high. Would land area of Kathmandu valley is able to meet the vegetable demand of such ever growing population? To be very efficient in vegetable production is land units produce up to their capacity? May be more important question is the cultivation in such hilly area with fragile topography ensures land use sustainability measures?
The need of very specific and detailed studies cannot be overlooked. To answer these questions related to agriculture and Kathmandu valley following research questions have been put forward to understand the matter to the reasonable depth.
Query1: How is the vegetable cultivation practices and land use condition in
Kathmandu Valley?