Amrit Majhi holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture from Agriculture and Forestry University, complemented by training in Advanced Agriculture from the Ramat Negev International Training Centre for Advanced Agriculture in Israel. He brings a strong foundation in agricultural practices. His journey from pioneering smart farming techniques in Israel to conducting research in Nepal reflects a commitment to innovation and community betterment. Through leadership roles in esteemed organizations, he has honed teamwork, innovation, and communication skills to drive sustainability initiatives.
Growing up on the banks of the Tamakoshi River in Nepal, he witnessed firsthand the rich traditions of his community. The Majhi people, who have helped others safely cross rivers for centuries, are now one of the highly marginalized and excluded indigenous communities of Nepal. These traditional practices are threatened by climate change, specifically extreme drought, which not only impacts their livelihoods but also leads to food insecurity. Additionally, developmental activities and modernization have jeopardized these age-old practices. This has sparked a fire within him to find sustainable solutions to these pressing challenges.
As part of the OMLAS project, he plans to conduct activities in Manthali Municipality, focusing on vulnerable communities affected by climate-related hazards. Manthali is characterized by its agricultural dependence, water scarcity issues, and diverse communities, including indigenous populations such as the Majhi community, known for their fishing livelihoods along the Tamakoshi River. The project aims to conduct a comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment and prepare a Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP) to address climate risks arising from development activities.
The approach involves active engagement with the local community through participatory methods such as field surveys, interviews, workshops, and community meetings. This ensures that the project directly benefits the community by addressing their concerns and vulnerabilities while also involving them in the process, promoting ownership and sustainability. The project outcomes include heightened community awareness of climate risks, a developed LCLIP showcasing impacts on agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods, a drafted policy advocacy plan aligned with local priorities, and enhanced knowledge and skills in policymaking and advocacy through capacity-building workshops.