Landholding, Cropping Intensity, and Food Security in Middle Mountain of Nepal: A Case study of Mandandeupur Municipality of Kavrepalanchok

Abstract

Background: Agriculture remains the primary livelihood source in Nepal, particularly in the middle hill region where household food security is closely linked to landholding characteristics and agricultural productivity. Understanding the factors influencing food sufficiency is essential for designing effective food security interventions.

Methods: This study examined the relationship between household food sufficiency and landholding size, land fragmentation, family size, farming intensity, and agricultural productivity in Mandandeupur Municipality, Kavrepalanchok District, Nepal. Primary data were collected from 391 households through a structured questionnaire survey, complemented by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Secondary data were used for validation and contextual analysis.

Results: The findings revealed that small and fragmented landholdings significantly contribute to lower agricultural productivity and household food deficits. The average household food sufficiency in the municipality was 9.69 months per year, indicating a moderately food-secure condition. Household food sufficiency was positively associated with landholding size, farming intensity, and agricultural productivity, whereas larger family size and land fragmentation negatively affected food availability.

Conclusion: Improving household food security in Nepal's middle hills requires agricultural modernization, irrigation expansion, access to improved seeds, and land consolidation measures that enhance farm productivity and operational efficiency.

Novelty: This study provides empirical evidence on the combined influence of landholding size, land fragmentation, family size, farming intensity, and agricultural productivity on household food sufficiency in Nepal's middle hill farming system using household-level primary data.