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Regional Training / Workshop On Urban And Peri-Urban Agriculture


APRIL 25-30, 2004
KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Postponed Due to Unavoidable Circumstances. (April 13, 2004)


Organized by

Himalayan Resources Institute,
Kathmandu, Nepal

In collaboration with

International Water Management Institute
(IWMI), Nepal

Center for Built Environment (CBE), India


Himalayan Resources Institute
(HIRI)
GPO BOX: 13880, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
TEL.: 00977-1-4-491646, FAX: 0977-1-4484328
E-mail: hirinepal@mail.com.np, hirinepal@yahoo.com
Website: www.hirinepal.com


INTRODUCTION:

Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is the growing of plants and the raising of animals for food and other uses within cities and peri-urban areas, and also includes related activities such as the production and delivery of inputs, and the processing and marketing of agricultural products. Urban and Peri Urban Agriculture (UPA) has been in existence since time immemorial. This training will help to improve traditional technologies. It will present new appropriate technologies, which will be useful to the urban and peri-urban agriculturists and development professionals in food production, processing, preservation and utilization.

Urban Agriculture has played a critical role for sustainable development of urban environments and makes a significant contribution to many cities for self-reliance in food. The amount of land available for urban agriculture is continue to shrink but the need for food in the cities is becoming more pressing due to the large-scale migration from rural areas into urban and peri-urban areas. This is not only creating environmental problems but also threatening the ecological balance. Although, the importance of urban agriculture is increasingly being recognized by international organizations like UNCED (Agenda 21), UNCHS (Habitat), FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), CGIAR (International Agricultural Research Centres) and International Development Research Center (IDRC) of Canada, urban and peri-urban agriculture has received the least priority in government and development planning in developing countries like Nepal. There is an urgent need to explore about the benefits and constraints of UPA in detail for sustainable development of urban environments.

Realizing the importance of Urban and peri-urban agriculture to feed the cities' people while improving the urban environments simultaneously, a Regional Training / Workshop on Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture is being organized by Himalayan Resources Institute (HIRI) on April 25-30, 2004 to make aware on the role of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture for sustainable urban and peri-urban development. This could become the foundation on which future research and development of urban and peri-urban agriculture in this region is possible. This training will present the case studies of UPA development for the attention of this group who can contribute significantly to UPA development in this region. This training aims to sensitize development practitioners to achieve greater awareness in the Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA) development process and equip participants with tools for analysis to promote UPA through linking urban-rural for food security, reducing the urban garbage and their pollution by recycling them through composting with women's empowerment and participation and make policies and programs more equitable for women and men. The Regional Training / Workshop aims to attract a broad spectrum of participants from NGOs, research institutes, government, ministries, UN and other agencies.


OBJECTIVES:

The Regional Training Course / Workshop aims to:
1. To create awareness and to make it essential component of planning, development and urban management.
2. Analyze attributes, situations and conditions in which urban and Peri-urban Agricultural (UPA) practices appear to have been developed and being picked up by the city dwellers.
3. To identify major issues and options and emphasize new ideas and innovations in UPA with case studies, new techniques etc.
4. To focus on urban agriculture as urban-rural linkage and source of employment and tool of environmental sustainability.
5. To explore regional co-operation for sustainable development of UPA in the region.
6. To develop a network as a regional resource center for dissemination of information, exchanges of knowledge, skills and technologies, etc. at the local and regional/international levels.

THEME:

The theme of the conference is "Improving Urban Environments through Urban agriculture". Main topics of the Plenary Sessions will be:
1. Why Urban Agriculture?
2. Planning & Management of Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Development
3. Agricultural Production, Food and Nutrition in Urban and Peri-urban Areas
4. Infrastructure for Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA)
5. Linking UPA in Urban Environment and Sustainable Development

THE TECHNICAL SESSIONS:

1. Urban & peri-urban areas and role of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA),
2. Agriculture Production, Food and Nutrition,
3. Infrastructure
4. Linking UPA in Urban Environment and Sustainable Development
5. Soil and Water Conservation and Management,

CALL FOR CASE STUDIES:

Case studies are invited for technical sessions, which will be held after the inauguration. The authors are requested to indicate whether they would like to present the case studies orally or through posters.

ABSTRACTS:

An abstract of the case studies with 300-400 words in one A4 paper may be submitted by April 1, 2004. The abstract should be typed in 10pt in single space, Times New Roman with 2.5 cm margin an all four sides. The title will be in 14 pt bold Capital and author's name in 12pt bold. The affiliation with address and e-mail, Tel/Fax no will be in 10pt Times New Roman. A short bio data should be attached. Abstract in 2 pages and abstract with less than 200 words will not be accepted.

FULL PAPERS:

Once abstract of the case studies is accepted the full paper is to be submitted the guidelines for papers, graphs, charts, figures etc. will be sent to accepted authors of accepted abstracts. The full papers must be submitted by April 25, 2004.

GUIDELINES FOR CASE STUDIES:

All participants which abstracts have been selected for case studies are expected to send the draft write up of their case studies at the latest on March 15, Draft case studies which are not provided in time will have no opportunity of being orally presented at the workshop although they will be used as material for group work. The case study presenter will then receive suggestions of aspects, which need to be highlighted during the oral presentations. Oral presentations of case studies will be possible either during working group sessions. Oral presentations should not exceed 20 minutes and should follow the plan suggested for documentation of case studies. A general framework for documenting case studies can be used as a guide by case study presenters for the documentation of case studies. The different dimensions and factors indicated in this framework are considered to be important factors and should be highlighted in the documentation of case studies, only if they have been taken into consideration by the different projects. An overhead projector, a video projector and a slide projector will be available.

PRESENTATION:

A. Oral - Oral presentation will be for 20 minutes. Question/answer will follow. Authors must indicate the preferred presentation through slide or overhead projectors or power point.
B. Poster - authors are encouraged to make presentation through posters. For poster presentation an area of 85 cm wide and 125 cm will be provided to each author. The poster will include title in bold capital letters, Author's names and addresses, Objectives, Methodology, Results and Discussion Conclusion, to be supported by photographs tables, charts etc. The text should be clearing visible and readable from a distance of 2m.

OUTCOMES OF THE TRAINING/WORKSHOP:

Development of sound and grounded strategies for future work on UPA in the region.

Identification and shared learning of wise approaches and practices.

The proceedings of the workshop will be produced as a resource book and an extension manual. They will include recommendations for developing and replicating practices, testing methods in the field with suitable illustrations and graphics.

PUBLICATION:

Selected papers will be considered for publication in a peer-reviewed book "Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture". The proceedings will be a joint publication of the Himalayan Resources Institute (HIRI) and other organizers of the programme. The text will be edited and accompanied by suitable pictures, illustrations and figures.

DEAD LINES:

1. Submission and acceptance, notification of abstracts: April 1, 2004
2. Submission of Full papers: April 25, 2004
3. Training/workshop: April 25-30, 2004
4. Field Excursion: April 30, 2004

TRAINING/WORKSHOP REGISTRATION:

(1) Participants from SAARC Countries US $ 200.00
(3) Participants other than SAARC countries: US $ 400.00
(4) Participants from corporate bodies/companies/INGOs: US $ 400.00
(6) Fieldtrip / Excursion: US $ 100.00

The registration fee includes program, book of abstracts, folder, tea/coffee, lunch and dinner. Accommodation cost at hotels/ guesthouses will be extra with discount rate.

Early registration is encouraged. Space is limited, Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is not complete until payment is received.

TRAINING/WORKSHOP WEBSITE:

Please, find the detail information about the "Regional Training / Workshop on Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture" to be held on April 25-30, 2004 in Kathmandu, Nepal on the Internet at http://www.cityfarmer.org/nepalWorkshop.html.

JOIN THE TRAINING/WORKSHOP MAILING LIST:

If you might be interested in attending or presenting at this Regional Training / Workshop on Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture, please add your name to our emailing list. This will ensure that you receive the latest information about the training / workshop.

ACCOMMODATION:

Living arrangements will be made available in various hotels confirmed by March 15, 2004. Living arrangements will be made available in various hotels confirming the rate of payments in advance by February 15, 2004. The rates of the hotels vary from US$ 15 to US $ 30 for single bed and US $ 25 to US $ 50 for double bed at discounted rate. Availability of economical accommodations is under special request by the participants in lodges/ guesthouses in Kathmandu. The participants will be informed separately about the arrangement made once we receive their requirement. Those who are interested to contact hotels by themselves, the Training /Workshop Coordinator will provide a list of recommended hotels. Hotels must be booked by March 15, 2004 at the latest. Contact Training Coordinator by the E-mail (hirinepal@mail.com.np or hirinepal@yahoo.com) if you have any questions.

FOOD:

Lunch, dinner and tea/coffee will be served for the invited speakers / resource persons and participants during the training/workshop and training hour from April 25 - 30, 2004 at the training/workshop venue.

EXCURSION:

On April 30, 2004 Excursions to selected places like HIRI-Budhanilkantha Agriculture Farm, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, Madhyapur, and other places of Kathmandu Valley will be arranged. All participants need to fill in a registration form and submit it by March 15, 2004 to the President, Himalayan Resources Institute. Further information about the excursions will be provided at the training / workshop hall.

BRIEF NOTES ON NEPAL:

Location: Between 260 12' and 30027' N; 8004' and 88012'E

People: 40 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages Population: 25.2 million

Climate: Nepal has four climatic seasons:
Spring: March-May,
Summer: June-August,
Autumn: September-November and,
Winter: December-February.

Altitudinal Range: 50m to 8848m (Highest Mt. Everest).

Weather and Wear: Normally, the weather in Kathmandu Valley (altitude: 1300 m. asl) during April is expected to be quite pleasant with clear sky. The maximum temperature in the month is about 30 C, and the minimum about 10 C. Mornings and evenings are cold. Therefore, light clothes are recommended.

Passport and Visa: All visitors to Nepal must hold valid passports and visa. All visitors transiting through Nepal and staying less than three days can obtain a 72-hour visa at the arrivals halls of the Tribhuvan International Airport free of charge. Similarly, SAARC country and Chinese nationals also need not pay visa fee but a valid passport card is required. The Royal Nepalese Embassies or consulates abroad or the entry points or the Immigration Offices provide a visa upon the presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos and a payment of visa fees. Tourists can extend their visas at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikuti Mandap, Exhibition Road, Kathmandu.

Currency and Foreign Exchange: The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paisa. Nepali Rupee comes in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 denominations.

Foreign visitors other than the Indian nationals are required to pay their hotel bills and air tickets in foreign currency. However the other payments must always be made in Nepalese currency. The foreign currency exchange counters of different banks are available at different places in the city. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange.

Tourists other than Indian are not allowed to import or export the Indian currency. The rate of exchange of the foreign currencies is determined by the Nepal Rastra Bank and is announced in the press daily. The present exchange rate is $ 1 is equivalent to NRs. 74.00, and IRs. (Indian Rupees) 1 is equivalent to NRs (Nepalese Rupees) 160. Time: Nepal time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time. Airport Service Charge: Government of Nepal levies airport service charge NRs. 770 for India and NRs. 1100 per person for all international flights.

REACHING KATHMANDU:

By Air: Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal. Royal Nepal Airlines- the national flag carrier of Nepal and other International Airlines operate flights to Kathmandu. The International Airlines operating their flights into Kathmandu include: Austrian Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, China South-West Airlines, Druk Air, lndian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Quatar Airways and Thai lnternational.

Domestic Air Service: The Royal Nepal Airlines operates an extensive network of air service in the interior parts of Nepal. Beside Royal Nepal Airlines the other domestic airlines such as Asian Helicopters, Necon Air, Cosmic Air, Mountain Air, Sita Airlines and Buddha Airways also provide regular and charter services to different popular destinations.

Entering Nepal by Road: The entry points at Nepal-India border are: Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya (Bhairahawa), Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendra Nagar. The only entry point at Nepal-China border is Kodari.

Kathmandu is connected with India through the fertile plains of the Terai by the most picturesque highways. Visitors are permitted to drive their own cars but their vehicles must possess an international carnet. There are regular bus services to Kathmandu from all the border points. The interior parts of the country are also linked with a number of roads. Buses for the different parts of the country are available at the Gongabu bus terminal, which is located near Balaju.

Other Transport Arrangements: There are taxi and auto rickshaws (three wheelers) with fare meters in Kathmandu. Motorcycles, bicycles and rickshaws are also available.

CONTACT ADDRESS:

For participation from Nepal, SAARC Countries and abroad, Local/national NGOs, INGOs and corporate bodies, please send pre-registration form and abstracts of the case studies on urban and peri-urban agriculture to:

Mr. Ram Bhandari
Coordinator,
Regional Training / Workshop on Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture

(April 25-30, 2004, Kathmandu, Nepal)

President, Himalayan Resources Institute (HIRI)
GPO Box: 13880, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel.: 00977-1-4-491646, Fax: 0977-1-4484328
E-mail: hirinepal@mail.com.np, hirinepal@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.cityfarmer.org/nepalWorkshop.html


REGISTRATION FORM

Name: Prof./Dr/Mr.Mrs./Ms.

Last: First: Middle:

Address:

Tel.:

Fax:

E-mail:

Designation:

Affiliation:

Nationality:

Qualification:

Specialization:

Nature of Presentation: Oral: Poster: Attending: (Tick any one)

Time and Date of Arrival:

Time and Date of Departure:

Means of Travel: (Whether accompanied by Spouse Yes: No:

If yes name of Spouse:

Signature:

Date:

Title for a Case Studies/Poster:






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Revised April 13, 2004

Published by City Farmer
Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture
cityfarmer@gmail.com