UPG Viewer

25 Years Old

Nepal

Female

Yes! That is really who you are!

Astha Pokharel is an early career researcher, who graduated in Agriculture from Agriculture and Forestry University. Her academic journey includes the proposal writing runner-up, the NAPA Research Mini-Grant, and five months-long PMAMP internship in her dissertation period. She contributed her skills and expertise as a Research Assistant at Nepal Agriculture Research Council. She worked in data collection, drafting proposals, research findings and report writing. She has engaged in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in her career phase in support of various consultant firms and organizations. She worked as a policy research Fellow at Contre for Social Change where she carried out research in Climate-smart agriculture. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she cultivated a strong foundation in community development and research methodologies. She is driven by a passion for sustainable agricultural development and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of vulnerable communities. She is excited about the opportunities to further integrate her academic knowledge and practical experience to make a lasting impact
on the field of social science and agriculture.

I approach sustainability challenges with innovative solutions, whether it’s improving agricultural practices or integrating ecosystem services into policy. My research experience has honed my ability to think outside the box, and I enjoy finding creative ways to solve complex problems that benefit both people and the environment.I am driven by the desire to turn ideas into action. In my work with agricultural extension and sustainability campaigns, I’ve always prioritized taking initiative, ensuring that projects move from planning to real-world implementation. I believe that actionable steps, no matter how small, create a lasting impact. Discipline: I have a strong work ethic and stay focused on achieving goals. From conducting research to organizing community programs, my disciplined approach ensures I follow through on commitments and maintain high standards in everything I do. Problem-Solving: My research and fieldwork experience have equipped me with excellent problem-solving skills. Whether it’s identifying ways to increase nitrogen use efficiency or finding solutions to environmental hazards, I excel at analyzing challenges and developing practical, science-based solutions. Communication Skills: I have a passion for sharing knowledge and motivating others. Whether through public speaking, writing, or digital media, I’m skilled at communicating complex sustainability issues in ways that are easy to understand and inspire positive action. My involvement in global campaigns, such as the UNV Skill Rise-Up Campaign, has enhanced my ability to connect with diverse audiences and foster collaboration. These strengths position me to be a proactive and effective UPG Sustainability Leader, ready to inspire others and create meaningful, sustainable change.

I approach sustainability challenges with innovative solutions, whether it’s improving agricultural practices or integrating ecosystem services into policy. My research experience has honed my ability to think outside the box, and I enjoy finding creative ways to solve complex problems that benefit both people and the environment. One of my key strengths is creativity, which has been essential in solving complex challenges in my work. A time when I used this strength to achieve something meaningful was during my research on improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops. Nitrogen loss in agricultural systems is a widespread issue, leading to environmental degradation and reduced crop productivity. While conventional approaches focused mainly on optimizing fertilizer applications, I wanted to explore a more innovative solution that addressed the problem from a different angle.
To bring this idea to life, I designed experiments that analyzed gene expression and microbial community dynamics across various genotypes of crops. I also collaborated with experts from different fields to refine the approach and test it in diverse environmental conditions. The creative aspect of this project was not just in the scientific techniques but also in finding ways to link complex data sets across disciplines. As a result, we were able to identify key genetic markers and microbial strains that significantly improved nitrogen use efficiency. This breakthrough opened new possibilities for developing crop varieties that require less synthetic fertilizer, reducing both economic costs and environmental impacts. My creativity helped push the boundaries of traditional research, leading to a more sustainable agricultural solution. This experience reinforced my belief that creative thinking is crucial in addressing sustainability challenges and achieving long-lasting, positive outcomes.

Yes, I have valuable experience acting as a volunteer, most notably through the UNV Skill Rise-Up Campaign and the Millennium Fellowship. These opportunities allowed me to engage in meaningful community projects and develop my leadership and collaboration skills while contributing to sustainability and social change. participated in the UNV Skill Rise-Up Campaign as an Online Volunteer with the UNDP Youth Empowerment Portfolio in Asia and the Pacific, Philippines. This campaign aimed to empower youth across the region by enhancing their digital skills, employability, and knowledge about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a volunteer, I played an active role in the SkillUpRiseUp Digital Campaign, where I designed materials, and engaged with diverse participants.

Undergraduate: I have completed an undergraduate degree

Climate Smart Agriculture
Agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate change, with unpredictable weather patterns, increasing temperatures, and frequent extreme events like droughts, floods, and storms. CSA helps farmers adapt to these changes by incorporating resilience practices, such as using drought-tolerant crop varieties, implementing water-saving irrigation techniques, and improving soil health through sustainable farming methods. Agriculture is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions through deforestation, livestock production, and inefficient fertilizer use. CSA promotes low-emission farming techniques, such as using organic fertilizers, improving livestock management, and reducing tillage, which helps reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. By adopting CSA practices, farmers can increase productivity and efficiency, leading to higher incomes and more stable livelihoods. Sustainable practices often reduce dependency on external inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides, lowering costs for farmers and increasing their profitability.

Challenges: Farmers in many regions may lack access to modern technology, high-quality seeds, or efficient irrigation systems. This can hinder the adoption of CSA practices. Solution: Provide training programs and workshops to educate farmers on the benefits of CSA and how to implement new technologies. Demonstration farms can serve as practical examples.

Challenges: Farmers may be resistant to adopting new practices due to traditional methods, lack of knowledge, or fear of the unknown.
Solutions: Involve farmers in the planning and decision-making process to ensure that the CSA practices are relevant and tailored to their specific needs and conditions.

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