Muzna Alvi

Caste, religion and the labor force participation of women: Evidence from India

Mapping energy use portfolios and household outcomes in Nepal: Insights from farm and household surveys in the Terai and the Mid-hills

Rural energy access remains a critical challenge in developing economies, with profound implications for agricultural productivity, household welfare, and gender dynamics. Nepal’s diverse geographical landscape—spanning the plains of Terai to the challenging Mid-hills and mountain regions—presents a unique context for understanding energy poverty and its multifaceted impacts. This study examines the intricate relationships between energy infrastructure, household economic status, and social outcomes in rural Nepalese communities. By investigating electricity access, cooking fuel technologies, and agricultural mechanization, we reveal how energy transitions are not merely technical interventions but complex social processes that reshape household labor, economic opportunities, and gender relations. Our research highlights the significant disparities in energy access between different geographical regions and wealth quintiles. Beyond infrastructure, we explore how energy technologies interact with dietary diversity, women’s empowerment, and agricultural productivity. The findings underscore the need for nuanced, context-specific energy policies that consider local socioeconomic and geographical variations.

Remoteness, farm production, and dietary diversity in Nepal

This paper explores the relationship between agriculture, dietary diversity, and market access in Nepal, testing the complex causal chains involved, and the nuanced connections between production diversity and dietary diversity among smallholder farmers. While diversifying farm production could enhance dietary diversity, the case of Nepal indicates a varied and context specific relationship. Market access emerges as a crucial factor, often exerting a more significant impact on smallholder farm households than production diversity. Access to markets not only influences economic viability but also contributes directly to food and nutrition security, offering a practical solution to address dietary needs. Focusing on Nepal’s diverse terrain, the study analyzes the interplay of remoteness, market access, irrigation availability, and complementary inputs in shaping farmers’ decisions, providing valuable insights into sustainable agricultural strategies for improved dietary outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. JEL Codes: D13, I15, O12, Q10, Q12, Q18