Walking Training on Agro-ecology 2025: Capacity building Through observation, Learning and Reflecting

With the aim of fostering an understanding of sustainable farming among the younger generation ForestAction Nepal a secretariat of Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF) organizes an Walking Training to strengthen capacity. As we believe that theoretical and traditional classroom-based knowledge alone is not sufficient to truly understand agriculture. Therefore, three years ago, we adopted a transformative approach through this walking training, where participants learn directly by observing and engaging with farmers’ practical knowledge in the field.

In total, 16 participants, including the organizing team, attended the training. Most of the participants were young graduates in agriculture, while some were still pursuing their studies, and a few came from different academic backgrounds.

This year, a five-day residential training was scheduled from 8–12 September 2025. However, it had to be canceled after the second day due to nationwide protests led by “Gen Z” across Nepal. Despite this, we successfully completed the first two days of the training.

The training began with a brief introductory session at Treebones Resort, Lamatar, where participants were oriented about the purpose of the training. The group discussion provided a platform for participants to explore and highlight contemporary issues in food and agriculture, raise key questions, and share their curiosities about the subject. The discussion revealed how modern farming has become more harmful over time. Our food often contains chemicals that threaten both human health, leading to diseases like cancer, and the environment. To reinforce this message, the participants watched the “Satyamev Jayate” episode on toxic food, which helped them better understand the urgency of transitioning toward natural and sustainable farming practices.

Following the orientation, the journey started from Lamatar to Lakuribhanjyang on the first day. Along the way, participants observed the surrounding forests and discussed how forests are closely connected to agriculture, recognizing that traditional farming practices often emerge from lessons learned through the forest.

On the second day, the walk continue passing from small village bhimsendada way to  Kushadevi, Kavrepalanchok. During the journey, participants interacted with local farmers and learned about their cropping patterns, cultivation methods, and perspectives on sustainable farming. While industrial and modern farming was less visible in the area, participants noticed the declining involvement of young generations in agriculture. They also learned how local seeds are increasingly being replaced by hybrids, yet some villagers continue to conserve local varieties of local seed.