Nepal’s federal transition: What are the implications for agricultural governance?

In the wake of violent conflict motivated by grievances over geographically-based inequalities, governments often devolve functions and authority from national to subnational governments. Giving greater decision-making powers to elected local authorities is believed to improve the economic, social and cultural inclusion of those from particular ethnic, linguistic, or religious communities. But devolution can have unexpected implications for the structure and provision of agricultural services, and models of successful adaptation can come from surprising places. (Photo credit: Gert-Jan Stads/IFPRI)