Study was conducted to analyze the production economics, socioeconomic status, potential and problems of rice in Rautahat district. Total 80 farmers were selected by simple random sampling method. Respondents were categorized into small and large scale based on the average land holding under rice cultivation. Result of socio demographic characters showed that the average household size and area under rice cultivation was 7.3 and 35.44 Katha respectively. Human labor was the major input used along with others viz. seed, tillage, FYM and chemical fertilizer and pesticides, irrigation in both large and small farms. The production per household (kg) and productivity (t/ha) were 4458.965 kg, 3.64t/ha respectively and there was significant difference in production (kg) per household between small scale farms (1811 kg) and large scale farms (7863.4 kg). The total average cost, gross revenue and gross margin per hectare were estimated as NPR.108214.79, NPR.120227.04 and NPR.12012.25 respectively. The average benefit cost ratio was 1.11. Cobb Douglas production function presented the inputs; human labor, tillage, FYM chemical and pesticides and irrigation were found to have positive relationship with income while other cost (mainly transportation cost) was found to have negative relation with the total income. The return to scale value was computed to be 0.96 indicating decreasing return to scale in rice production in Rautahat district. Therefore, the findings suggest that, the production and income can be maximized by efficiently solving problems of quality inputs and others mentioned.

This paper analyses the implication of Teachers' Professional Development (TPD) training in pedagogical transformation in community schools in Gandaki Province, Nepal. It followed sequential explanatory mixed methods research design. The sample size of this study comprised selected 45 secondary level TPD trained teachers purposively from Kaski, Tanahu, and Syangja Districts of Gandaki Province from five schools from each district. The quantitative data were collected through questionnaire survey with teachers and the qualitative data were collected through Focus Group Discussions with trainers and head teachers separately. The analysis of data reveals that pedagogical transformation through training is not satisfactory. For the effective implementation of training knowledge and skill of training, the coordination among all the stakeholders needs to be harmonious. The training curricula, trainers’ knowledge and skill, and teaching context should be updated and improved as per the current social situation. Besides, the teachers’ motivation and devotion are the key elements for adequate pedagogical transformation. The study concluded that regular monitoring with a reward and punishment policy can implement the training knowledge and skill for pedagogical transformations.

Introduction: Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the major public health problem that leads to high morbidity and mortality in the world including Nepal. Government of Nepal has launched the Multi-sectoral NCD Action Plan in 2014 and established NCD and Injuries Poverty Commission in 2016 for the management and control of NCDs nevertheless the implementation status and its outcomes are not identified till date at the local level. Objectives: To explore the preparedness of the local government for the prevention and control of NCDs at Gaindakot, Nawalpur, Nepal. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted in the Gaindakot municipality; Nawalpur to document the key informant's perspectives on health system's preparedness to prevent the potential impacts of NCDs. Face to face Indepth interview was performed using open-ended questions. Interview guidelines were prepared on the basis of building blocks of health system. Information was processed basis on thematic analysis. Result: The study revealed that health section has NCD preparedness structure but need to strengthening for the better delivery of health services. The study highlights that screening services and the medicine for major NCDs like hypertension and diabetes were available at local level. Limited budget was allocated and health workforce was not trained for NCDs prevention and control. There was no reporting mechanism for NCD related data from local level. Conclusion: Basic medicine and screening services were provided from the local level to the selected NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes. There was no provision of reporting NCD related information and health workforce were not trained to respond NCDs. Local level health system strengthening is an urgent need to address the increasing burden of NCDs.

Background: Tobacco and alcohol use are major behavioral risk that contributes to the rapid increase in non communicable diseases in Nepal. This study aimed to assess prevalence and correlates of tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the multi-stage probability sampling method. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information among school going adolescent. Data was entered on Epi-data and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption was 11.6% and 16.3% respectively. Male(AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 2.0-11.5), older adolescents  (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.6-7.2), pocket money of more than Rs. 350 (AOR 4.7, 95% CI 1.6-13.8) and living with other than family members (AOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.7-8.5) had higher odds of tobacco consumption whereas, male (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.5-11.5), late adolescents (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.3-5.0), pocket money of more than Rs. 350 (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.2-13.2) had higher odds of alcohol consumption. Conclusions: The study found that significant proportion of adolescents was involved in the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Efforts are needed to find regulating and educational interventions to mitigate the risky behaviors and their health impacts on the adolescents.

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