Message-ID: <37CA5208.125EA38E@icimod.org.np> Date: Mon, 30 Aug 1999 15:12:32 +0530 From: Sangeeta Pandey <mailto:sangeeta@icimod.org.np> Subject: New Publications of ICIMOD To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
ICIMOD has published several technical documents and other general publications in the past few months. Following is a list of them with abstracts of most of them. The general publications are all available on our website and their URLs are also given below.Thank you.
Sangeeta Pandey Documentation Officer/Web Person ICIMOD
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TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS
Gurung, J. D. (ed), 1999. Searching for Women’s Voices in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas, ISBN 92 9115 855 0
Abstract ‘Searching for Women’s Voices in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas’ is a collection of eleven case studies carried out by women who shared a cultural background with the places they studied. In some cases they were from the place itself. None of them was a professional gender research specialist. Within a limited period of time (3 months), the women surveyed the villages and questioned women about their physical and emotional environments, their self-images, and their felt needs. They also carried out desk research on policies and plans for women in the countries chosen for the study and wrote their reports. Contents vary in terms of depth of study and analysis by the researchers. An editorial preface points out some of the lacunae in the information and the contradictions that occur when those carrying out the research are not from the specific area of expertise. Nevertheless, the Editor, Jeannette D. Gurung, has let the ‘voices’ come through. A well-informed introductory chapter by the editor pre-empts the necessity of and temptation to ‘add’ to what the women themselves have to say. Studies were carried out in eleven places; two of the studies, those from Bhutan and Tibet, are on a country and regional basis. The other studies were carried out in villages in the mountains and hills of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal. Although this does not provide an in-depth comparative analysis of the status of women throughout the Hindu Kush-Himalayas, it lays valuable groundwork for the future of gender studies in this region.
# Shahi, S. and Kachhipati, C. P., 1999. Collective Marketing: The Case of Handicrafts in Nepal. MEI Case Study Series No. 99/3.
# Mohmand, A.G., 1999, Micro-enterprise development in Mountain Areas: A review of NGO Initiatives in Pakistan. MEI Case Study Series No. 99/4.
# Awasthi, D,; Singh, N.; and Srivastava, P., 1999. Promoting Small and Micro-enterprises through Training Interventions - The Indian Experience.MEI Case Study Series No. 99/5
# Banskota, M.; Karki, A.S.; and Croon, F.W. (eds), 1999. Strategic Considerations on the Development of Central Asia. Report of the CODOCA Workshop held from 13 to 18 September 1998, Urumqi, China.
# Bhatia, A. M.; Hazarika, N.; Singha, R. 1999. Spices and fruit for micro-enterprises: a study of the potentials of ginger and pineapples in West Garo Hills Meghalaya, India.
Price: US$ 15.00 (Developed Countries) US$ 10.00 (Developing Countries) US$ 7.50 (ICIMOD Member Countries)
Abstract: This report examines the feasibility of developing micro-enterprises based on processing of ginger and pineapple crops in the West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Based on secondary information, an intensive primary survey was carried out to interact with farmers, traders, and credit institutions. While ginger drying emerges as a viable option, pineapple processing requires large-scale investments, unsuitable for household/ community level enterprises. Integration of improved farming methods and market regulation with value addition were identified as imperatives for the success of micro-enterprise development. Among the ginger-drying options evaluated, the gasifier-based process could be introduced for demonstration purposes. The options for value addition would not only increase returns for farmers but also provide them with alternatives, thereby enhancing their bargaining power.
# Palni, L. M. S.; Rikhari, H. C.; Sharma, S. 1999. Enterprise development in natural fibre-based products: a study of the status and potential in the Central Himalayan Region of India. 52p. ISSN 1561-8692
Price: US$ 15.00 (Developed Countries) US$ 10.00 (Developing Countries) US$ 7.50 (ICIMOD Member Countries)
Abstract: This study explores several aspects relating to a few important fibre-yielding plants (viz., Agave sp, Cannabis sativa, Girardiana heterophylla, Grewia oppositifolia, and Daphne papyracea) of the Central Himalayas and their fibre products. These traditional products are an integral part of the typical rural system because of their durability, flexibility, and ecofriendly nature. These fibre products not only fulfill rural needs and/or augment the economy, but are also of use in various household activities, including animal care. For example, ropes made from such fibres do not heat up under the sun and remain soft when animals move or shift postures. However, with some inputs, fibres of various species can be used for the preparation of non-traditional products in order to meet the ethnic choice/fashion of urban society.
Market indicators show that there is potential for enterprise development of various non-traditional fibre products, particularly in light of the growing preference for natural products rather than for synthetics. Furthermore, these products can compete in the market because they are unique. With this in mind, certain NGOs have begun to commercialise fibre-based products, although on a very limited scale because of the lack of infrastructure and of a marketing strategy. In order to increase the supply of raw materials, efforts have also been made to carry out large-scale plantation of Agave sp and other species. These are regenerated in nurseries through bulbils in order to support plantation work.
It has been observed that this document could serve as a useful basis for future research to develop appropriate strategies for achieving sustainable and feasible development of cottage industries based on fibre plants.
# Partap, U., 1999. Pollination management of mountain crops through beekeeping: trainers' resource book. Kathmandu: ICIMOD. 117p. ISBN 92-9115-869-0
Price: US$ 20.00 (Developed Countries) US$ 15.00 (Developing Countries) US$ 10.00 (ICIMOD Member Countries)
Abstract: The present publication is part of ICIMOD's initiative to promote wider use of honeybees to contain declining crop productivity due to pollination failure. This resource book is for training extension workers and mountain farmers to use bees for pollination. It covers several topics related to managing bees for crop pollination. Several illustrations have been added to facilitate understanding of the various processes. The book provides a general introduction to pollination; explains the reasons why different kinds of bees are important crop pollinators; and describes how they pollinate a crop. It describes the limitations in using bees in traditional fixed-comb hives for crop pollination and explains the advantages of movable-frame hives. The role of the hive bees, Apis cerana and Apis mellifera, as crop pollinators rather than wild bees, and how to manage them for pollination of crops in general are described in detail. Descriptions of the management of hive bees for pollination of particular crops have also been given
# Rijal, K. (ed), 1999. Energy use in mountain areas: trends and patterns in China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Kathmandu: ICIMOD. 282p. ISBN 92-9115-872-0
Price: US$ 20.00 (Developed Countries) US$ 15.00 (Developing Countries) US$ 10.00 (ICIMOD Member Countries)
Abstract: This publication summarises the main findings of a set of studies on energy use patterns in the HKH region carried out in four countries separately, namely, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The results of the studies were used to prepare energy balance tables for the HKH Region of each country and to identify issues emerging concerning energy use. The issues identified were: prevailing unsustainable trends in energy supply and demand in the mountains; inharmonious energy transitions, on the one hand towards non-monetised, low quality energy forms and on the other towards non-renewable fossil fuels; wrong choice of energy resources and technologies as a result of a lack of perspective related to both quality and quantity of energy in programme design; ignorance of the bio-physical aspects of mountain areas; weak gender participation; lack of understanding of sociocultural issues; lack of a suitable institutional framework to promote decentralised renewable energy technologies; and the methodological dilemma of internalising environmental concerns.
The publication also proposes a four-pronged strategy for sustainable energy development in the mountains. First, programmes must be geared towards increasing wood resources on a large scale and to upgrading the quality of biomass fuels in order to meet cooking and heating needs. Second, energy policies for mountain areas should emphasise new and renewable decentralised resources and technologies (via rural electrification or motive power generation) not only in order to sustain and increase economic activities but also to reduce human drudgery, particularly that of women and children. Third, efficient energy technologies should be promoted to facilitate improvements in the physical quality of life and achieve a significant reduction in health hazards. Fourth, large-scale development of hydropower should be initiated, in order to generate revenue for alleviating the existing poverty of mountain communities and to develop social and physical infrastructures suitable for these communities. At the same time, care must be taken not only to internalise the associated environmental costs into these projects, but also to ensure that such development results in the overall development of mountain areas.
The publication also describes the various policy and institutional measures that need to be taken so that sustainable development of the energy sector in the HKH Region can become a feasible proposition. These measures are: a) removal of the existing distortion in prices; b) encouragement of entrepreneurs; c) promotion of technology transfer and more efficient fuel use; c) dissemination of information on suitable technological options; d) enforcement of regulations, standards, and codes for the promotion of economic and allocative efficiency; e) performance of R&D to develop low-cost and efficient mountain region-specific renewable energy technologies; f) encouraging the development of participatory institutions; g) ensuring the participation of, and a greater decision-making role for, women in energy programmes; and h) initiating various programmes for building capabilities at the local level.
# DCS - Technology Development/ICIMOD, 1999. Manual for survey and layout design of private micro-hydropower plants. Butwal: DCS - Technology Development/Kathmandu: ICIMOD.105p. ISBN 92-9115-905-0
Price: US$ 20.00 (Developed Countries) US$ 15.00 (Developing Countries) US$ 10.00 (ICIMOD Member Countries)
Abstract: This manual has been prepared as one of a series of four manuals for the various groups of technicians and professionals engaged in design, survey, feasibility studies, manufacture, installation, management, operation, and maintenance and repair of private micro-hydropower (MHP) installations in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region.
The current manual is aimed at site surveyors, layout designers, and consultants who carry out surveys and prepare feasibility studies for private MHP plants for communities or entrepreneurs in remote and under-developed mountain areas. It is intended to provide some assistance to such professionals both as a training aid and as a reference document.
# DCS - Technology Development/ICIMOD, 1999. Installation and commissioning manual for private micro-hydropower plants. Butwal: DCS - Technology Development / Kathmandu: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. 67p. ISBN 92-9115-919-0
Price: US$ 20.00 (Developed Countries) US$ 15.00 (Developing Countries) US$ 10.00 (ICIMOD Member Countries)
Abstract: Private or community owned and managed micro-hydropower (MHP) schemes are now accepted as viable, least-cost options for many under-developed and inaccessible mountain areas in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. Local entrepreneurs and/or communities are likely to initiate, manage, operate, and maintain such plants themselves. The technology is simple and low cost. However, the implementers/surveyors, designers, manufacturers, installers, and other technical people involved are usually not highly qualified and may lack the necessary expertise in their respective fields. Therefore, institutional arrangements and properly designed and implemented inputs are needed for these groups of professionals (both implementers and operators/managers) in the form of training opportunities, manuals and guidelines, back-stopping back-up support', maintenance and repair facilities, and know-how support. Without such inputs, the performance and viability of many plants may be less successful than hoped.
# DCS - Technology Development / ICIMOD, 1999. Operation and management manual for private micro-hydropower plants. Butwal: DCS - Technology Development / Kathmandu: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. 47p.ISBN 92-9115-886-0
Price: US$ 20.00 (Developed Countries) US$ 15.00 (Developing Countries) US$ 10.00 (ICIMOD Member Countries)
Abstract : This manual on the management and operation of private or community owned/managed mini- and micro-hydropower (MMHP) plants (especially micro-hydropower) is intended to provide assistance to managers and operators faced with the problem of running such systems in isolated areas. The managers and operators of MHP plants have often not had the benefit of extended education, may have little experience of working with machinery, and have often had very few opportunities to participate in relevant, high quality, training programmes.
The main focus of this manual is on the isolated, indigenous, local entrepreneur-owned plants in the micro-range. Most of these plants installed in Nepal, Pakistan, and India have a capacity of less than 60kW. The manual has been kept simple and brief so that it can be used by managers and operators with limited formal education and training and little technical knowledge. The manual does not cover the specific details of different types of machines and management systems, rather it provides general information that can be applied to all schemes.
# DCS - Technology Development / ICIMOD, 1999. Maintenance and repair manual for private micro-hydropower plants. Butwal: DCS - Technology Development / Kathmandu: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. 73p. ISBN 92-9115-922-0 Price: US$ 20.00 (Developed Countries) US$ 15.00 (Developing Countries) US$ 10.00 (ICIMOD Member Countries)
Abstract: This manual has been prepared as one of a series of four manuals for the various groups of technicians and professionals engaged in the design, survey, feasibility study, manufacture, installation, management, operation, and maintenance and repair of private/community-based micro-hydropower (MHP) installations in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. The main reason for preparing the manuals was the felt and stated need of such groups for whom there are few opportunities for adequate training or advisory back-up. The lack of such opportunities and support is now recognised to be one of the main reasons why such schemes are less successful than hoped. At present, many schemes are being designed, installed, and operated by people who have not had sufficient opportunity to acquire the necessary skills.
The current manual is aimed primarily at managers and operators who have to carry out maintenance and minor repairs and organize major repairs in remote and underdeveloped mountain areas. It is hoped that this manual will provide some assistance to these professionals as a reference document.
# Dhungana, S. P.and Thapa, B.,1999. Credit-based micro-enterprise development programmes in Nepal. (MEI [Mountain Enterprises & Infrastructure] Discussion Paper, 99/1). Kathmandu:ICIMOD. 65p. ISSN 1024-7564
Price: US$ 15.00 (Developed Countries) US$ 10.00 (Developing Countries) US$ 7.50 (ICIMOD Member Countries)
Abstract:
This study presents a review of credit-based micro-enterprise development programmes in Nepal and discusses the important issues related to credit, micro-enterprises and development. It provides a comparative perspective on the coverage, methodologies, implementation process and sustainability aspects of seven important micro-credit programmes in Nepal, and it also attempts to identify the impact and factors of their relative performance and effectiveness, particularly their contribution to the promotion of micro-enterprises in mountain areas. The study concludes that, even though the total coverage of all the programmes together has been small given the needs of the poor and the entrepreneurs, they have nevertheless led to improvement in the access of the rural people, particularly women, to credit. With the focus being mainly on self-help and poverty reduction. However, the programmes have not been very effective in the promotion of the development of micro-enterprises. The study finally makes some suggestions and recommendations on ways to make the credit programmes more effective in promotion of micro-enterprises, particularly in mountain areas.
# Gurung, M. M. 1999. Training programmes for development of micro-enterprises in the cottage and small sector in Nepal. (MEI [Mountain Enterprises & Infrastructure] discussion paper, 99/2). Kathmandu: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. 69p. ISSN 1024-7564
Price: US$ 15.00 (Developed Countries) US$ 10.00 (Developing Countries) US$ 7.50 (ICIMOD Member Countries)
Abstract: Training for entrepreneurship development has been recognised for over one and a half decades as an essential ingredient in the development of small and micro-enterprises in Nepal. Currently, several organizations are engaged in entrepreneurship development programmes, training about 1,500 persons annually. The present study examines various aspects of the training programmes carried out by different organizations and attempts an evaluation of their effectiveness, particularly on the basis of a sample survey carried out among recent trainees in Kaski and Tanahu districts. While most organizations follow a more or less similar format for the selection of trainees and contents and the delivery of training, post-training backup and support provided by these organizations vary. Overall, about 35 per cent of the trainees have set up enterprises after receiving training, the rate of course varies, depending on the organization imparting the training and the location; the success rate among women trainees is lower than that among men trainees. The present study also identifies training-related and post-training factors that lead to a relatively low success rate.
The study suggests a more specific group approach for training rather than the general one being followed by most organizations. Groups could be location-specific, i.e., mountains or plains, rural or urban, as well as product specific. It also stresses the need to coordinate the training with other inputs and services such as credit, consultancy, and marketing information. The study recommends that the various organizations should also coordinate their programmes with each other in order to maximise the benefits from the available training resources.
------------------------------------ GENERAL PUBLICATIONS (free)
# 1998 Annual Report of ICIMOD
# Partnerships in Sustainable Mountain Development 1995-1998: Highlights of the Implementation of the First regional Collaborative Programme of ICIMOD - Soon to be available on-line
# Newsletter No 33 - Policy Focus For Mountain Development - Soon to be available on-line
# Newsletter No 33 - Mountain Enterprises for Sustainable Livelihoods http://www.icimod.org.sg/publications/newsletter/news33/news33_toc.htm
# Newsletter No 33 - Soil Fertility Issues in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas http://www.icimod.org.sg/publications/newsletter/news32.htm
# Issues in Mountain Development - This is a series of papers released from time to time to brief planners, development workers, researchers and donors on recent trends, findings, and issues affecting mountain development.
IMD 99/4 - Integration of GIS, Remote Sensing and Ecological Methods for Biodiversity Inventory and Assessment http://www.icimod.org.sg/publications/IMD/imd99-4.htm
Inventory and assessment of biodiversity have become essential for short-term management strategies as well as for developing and testing scientific hypotheses. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) both have special advantages in preparing inventories of species based on ecological parameters. Remote sensing can help procure valuable information on types of habitat, structures of vegetation, landscapes, and fragmentation, basically to assess the extent of diversity in biological species and make a record of the species extant. The significance of Geographic Informations Systems is in assessing the relative values; richness of species, dominance, fragmentation, porosity, and so on. Methods and parameters are described briefly with the use of tables to define some of the parameters. Useful reference material is given for those interested in pursuing this topic in depth.
IMD 99/3 - Application of GIS to Mountain Land-use Planning http://www.icimod.org.sg/publications/IMD/imd99-3.htm
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have often been presented as a tool of great value for planners and decision-makers because they enable 'rational' or 'scientific' planning processes. However, increasing experience in the operational use of GIS has taught us that the value of GIS in planning is not so much in making 'rational' decisions but rather in providing a technical platform through which data from diverse origins can be visualized, integrated, and managed, e.g., from different sectors, different planning approaches, and different sources.
IMD 99/2 - Trends and Prospects of Sustainable Mountain Agriculture in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan Region: A Comparative Analysis http://www.icimod.org.sg/publications/IMD/imd99-2.htm
This paper analyses the time-series’ data of three integral components of mountain agriculture: food-grain crops, horticultural crops, and livestock of selective mountain provinces/states/regions of Pakistan, India, and Nepal. The purpose is to examine the changes taking place in mountain agricultural systems over the past several years with implications for the future. The results indicate the increasing role of horticultural crops in the agricultural economy of mountain households. Nevertheless, declining productivity has raised concerns for long-term sustainability. On the other hand, the production of cereal food-grain crops has remained relatively stable although the area has not increased. In livestock, buffaloes and goats are increasing, thus providing opportunities to mountain households to generate cash income. Based on the present trends, the implications for future development of mountain agriculture are discussed.
IMD 99/1 - Social Institutions, Local Governance, and Social Capital Foundations of Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction http://www.icimod.org.sg/publications/IMD/imd99-1.htm
In the past, interventions focussed on a top-town approach. Such interventions have not been successful. The current focus is based on facilitating social capital through small group formation and well directed, non-intrusive economic interventions. This paper examines the changing concepts of institutional development interventions and their positive and negative impacts, with examples from the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region (HKH). In the end, the author poses some research questions and pertinent issues as part of the framework of an institutional governance, and social capital approach to poverty reduction and sustainable development in the HKH. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS
ICIMOD provides its publications free-of-charge to:
a) institutions with whom it has entered into formal publications' exchange agreements; b) developing country institutions with a major mandate in the sustainable development of the Hindu Kush-Himalayas. A written request highlighting the institution' programme thrusts is required; and d) students from the ICIMOD Member Countries pursuing a university degree related to sustainable mountain development. A maximum of 2 documents will be provided gratis upon submission of a photocopy of the student's valid identity card and information pertaining to the degree being pursued.
Discounts
The following discounts are offered.
75% discount to students from the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region 50% discount to full-time students worldwide 25% discount for bulk orders of 10 documents or more of any publication.
(more information on pricing at http://www.icimod.org.sg/publications/catalogue/prices.htm ) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For information on other ICIMOD Publications, visit the Publications' Catalogue on the ICIMOD Homepage http://www.icimod.org.sg/publications/catalogue/catalind.htm . All prices quoted include the cost of handling and shipping.
For orders and further inquiries, please write to: Nira Gurung-Burathoki Distribution Officer ICIMOD P.O. Box 3226 Kathmandu, NEPAL Tel: 977-1-525313,536747 Fax: 977-1-524509 E-mail: mailto:distri@icimod.org.np