First, to identify the problems/barriers and potentials associated with urban horticulture in metropolitan cities of Bangladesh and Nepal. In this part, we will identify the social, institutional, environmental, and supply-demand chain related problems and potential aspects in each of the selected major cities in both Bangladesh and Nepal through questionnaire surveys (key informant interview, focus group discussion, expert interviews). It will also explore the potentials and scopes (through remote sensing and data analysis) of urban horticulture as a principal source of food and nutritional security as well as an employment option for the urban communities of Bangladesh and Nepal. This goal addresses the priorities of subtheme I.
Second, to develop and provide strategies to regularly access quality planting materials of fruits and vegetables by the farmers and entrepreneurs. In this portion, we will assess the effectiveness of different planting materials in different agro-ecological zones through several experimental trials (varietal performance, effect of micronutrients in production efficiency, effect of fertilizer doses in the production, etc.). These researches will recommend and contribute to provide the best suited materials for horticultural development. Here, it also includes the research to identify the factors affecting adoption of improved planting materials among farmers and entrepreneurs. This goal addresses the priorities of subthemes I and II. Third, to build up and strengthen the capacity of women and youth for a sustainable urban horticultural approach. In this part, we will explore the willingness of involvement of women and youth in horticulture production related activities in cities (use of rooftop, veranda and slum areas gardening, input supply, marketing, transportation, advisory services, training etc.).
This goal will also address the barriers to youth participation in horticultural enterprises and recommend policy people to address the issues. Likewise, the cost effective sustainable urban horticulture approach as an employment option for the community through entrepreneurship development will also be addressed. This goal addresses the priorities of subtheme III. Fourth, to investigate the tradeoff mechanism for urban horticulture in both studied countries. We will identify the tradeoff sectors and mechanisms to make urban horticulture cost-effective and efficient. Furthermore, this project aimed to develop GIS-based modeling to identify and quantify potential locations and space available for different types of horticulture practice combining all the factors considered both from Bangladesh and Nepal. This goal addresses the priorities of subtheme III.