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.
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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.
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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 )
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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: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
