Advancing agroecology in academic and research institutes

About the workshop

Under the framework of the Promoting Resilience in Agroecological Systems (PRAS) Project, ICIMOD, in collaboration with Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Mid-West University (MWU), and Tribhuvan University (TU), is organising a capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening academic leadership in agroecology to advance Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) in Nepal.

Building on last year’s support to TU in developing a Master’s curriculum in agroecology, the current initiative focuses on enhancing faculty capacity to deliver updated curricula effectively across the four universities. ICIMOD has supported the revision and integration of agroecology and NbS concepts into undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at three universities (AFU, TU, and MWU), aligning academic content with emerging climate challenges and the specific realities of mountain agriculture.

This year’s programme will prioritise deepening the understanding of agroecological principles among university faculties and research institutes, exploring pathways for mainstreaming agroecology in higher education in Nepal. Through expert-led sessions, peer learning, and applied case discussions, participating faculty will strengthen their knowledge of agroecological principles and practices in pedagogy, research orientation, and field-based teaching methods. The initiative aims to institutionalise agroecology within university and government research systems, ensuring that future agricultural professionals are equipped to promote resilient, sustainable, and nature-positive farming systems in Nepal.

Objectives

The main objective of this workshop is to enhance faculty understanding of agroecological principles and explore pathways for mainstreaming agroecology within higher education in Nepal. The specific objectives are:

• Strengthen faculty and research institute competency: Enhance the knowledge and practical skills of faculty and research institutes in agroecology and climate-resilient agriculture, enabling more effective teaching, research, and field practices.
• Support curriculum delivery: Develop the pedagogical and technical capacity of faculty from AFU, MWU, and TU to deliver both theoretical and practical teaching more effectively, employing participatory and student-centred approaches.

Background

The Promoting Resilience in Agriculture Systems (PRAS) project, supported by the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) a UK Government initiative, promotes agroecological transition to resilient and commercially viable agroecological farming systems. PRAS promotes agroecological transitions, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) through research, institutional partnerships, and capacity development. 

Recognising that the long-term transformation of agri-food systems depends on strong academic foundations, PRAS has strategically partnered with three leading universities in Nepal – AFU, MWU, and TU – to mainstream agroecology and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into higher education curricula. In 2025, ICIMOD supported TU in developing a Master’s curriculum in agroecology, laying the groundwork for structured academic engagement in sustainable mountain agriculture.

Building on this momentum, the current initiative focuses on strengthening faculty capacity to deliver updated curricula in agroecology, NbS, and climate-resilient, productive, and economically viable agriculture. By enhancing pedagogical skills, systems thinking, and the practical application of agroecological principles and practices, the programme aims to institutionalise transformative approaches within university systems, developing skilled human resources in sustainable agriculture. This capacity-building effort ensures that future graduates are equipped with the knowledge and competencies required to advance resilient, equitable, and sustainable agri-food systems across Nepal and the broader Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.