Researchers from Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) applied life cycle sustainability assessment (LCA) for an agricultural product in Nepal for the first time. LCA is a holist method and looks beyond single stages of the production. This study provided new knowledge on the sustainability of the goat production in a changing environment.

Goat farming has long been a crucial part of rural livelihoods in Nepal, providing both food and income to families across the country. However, farmers and stakeholders of the goat value chain in Western Nepal have begun to reshape traditional practices. Within GRAPE project, new knowledge on the sustainability of this new direction was provided. The study highlighted the unique characteristics of three regions, from Dhangadhi’s fertile lowlands with international trade connections, to Bheriganga’s midhill regions under pressure from land scarcity to Dullu’s self-sufficient and remote high hill communities.

Researchers identified key areas for improvement. One of the most critical findings was the need for improved feed management. In all three regions, goats primarily grazed on tree branches, grasses, and forest pastures, supplemented with maize, soybean, rice bran, wheat, and mustard cake. To optimize nutrition and productivity, farmers should begin adopting better feeding practices and learn about new feed combinations to ensure healthier livestock.

Moreover, the study revealed inefficiencies in the transportation and storage of goat meat, with no cold chain system in place after slaughtering. Thus, the supply chain should be improved to optimize the timing of the selling and buying. This would enable the stakeholders to improve the handling of goat meat, reduce waste and ensure that high-quality products reach bigger markets like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other cities. In addition, the optimal timing of slaughtering in terms of animal size would improve the efficiency of the supply chain.  

Our study shows that the farmers should be better equipped with knowledge about feeding, breeding, and animal health to enhance the overall sustainability of goat farming. By selecting resilient breeds suited to the harsh climate, farmers in these regions are not only safeguarding their own livelihoods but also contributing to the long-term viability of goat production in Nepal. Increasing the use of LCA method in future will provide new insights into the food production as a whole in Nepal to improve its sustainability.

Luke carried out this LCA on goat value chain together with Mid-West University, Far Western University and Agriculture and Forest University as part of the capacity building. During the GRAPE project in 2023-2024, we had about 20 students and 5 researchers joining our field data collection and scientific article writing. We also organized a workshop on LCA and agroecology for 30 university researchers. These activities have initiated great interest from the researchers towards adapting the concept of LCA also in other value chains which could be a new path to future collaborations and projects.

The collaboration between local farmers, middlemen, and researchers has laid the groundwork for a brighter future for goat farming in Western Nepal. As new practices continue to take root, the success of these initiatives showcases the importance of innovation and education in transforming agricultural systems. This story of progress demonstrates how the goat value chain could thrive while managing natural resources responsibly, ensuring that both local and national markets benefit from the high-quality goat products produced in these regions.