Nepal's major coffee cultivar 'Arabica' (Coffea arabica) has developed as a major export beverage... more Nepal's major coffee cultivar 'Arabica' (Coffea arabica) has developed as a major export beverage crop since it was first introduced in 1938 AD. It was first introduced in the country with more than 30,000 households involved in production and production peaking at more than 530 t in the year 2018-2019. Pests, especially the coffee white stem borer (Xylotrechus quadripes), has damaged coffee plantations in many parts of world including Nepal. This is a review paper to highlight pest control in Nepal based on previously published papers and collected information. It aims to compare pest management strategies in coffee pocket areas across Nepal using natural enemies and plants with pesticide like effect. Through this study, we aim to collect information on various strategies that have been applied in the past and present to combat this pest at every stage of its development. Controlling this pest alone could positively impact the future of successful coffee production in Nepal. Geographically, Nepalese coffee is produced at an elevation above what is known as the 'coffee belt'.
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal with 32 wards,
spreads across an area of 49.45 km². It is o... more Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal with 32 wards, spreads across an area of 49.45 km². It is one of the fastest urbanizing cities in Asia. Nepal was among the ten countries most affected by extreme weather events over the 2000– 2019 period according to the Global Climate Risk Index (Eckstein et al., 2021). World population review reported that Kathmandu’s population reached 1,521,000 in 2022 which is an increase of 3.33% from 2021. Built-up areas in Kathmandu Valley are expected to increase further to 352 km² by 2050, effectively doubling the equivalent 2018 figure (Mesta et al., 2022) which means drastic loss of farmlands and urban greenery. Creation of public parks and open space must be prioritized in Kathmandu also due to the risk from seismic activity (Gautam et al., 2017) which can serve as space for disaster relief. Free open spaces have become so scarce in Kathmandu that even river bank encroachment poses a new problem (Tamrakar & Parajuli, 2019). Supplying food to Kathmandu is often obstructed by natural calamities like floods and landslides that damage road connectivity, resulting in sudden rises in food prices. On the other hand, Tokyo, the capital city of Japan since 1868, is known as one of the most densely populated cities of the world, and spreads across an area of 2,191 square kilometers. Tokyo has public parks in 82 locations totaling 2,030 hectares which also serve as disaster refuge sites, the significance of which was recognized since the Great Kanto Earthquake of Tokyo in 1923 and as Masuda (2014) mentioned, landscape architecture plays an important role in disaster-prevention, response and social resiliency. In the report by Tran & Murata (2019, 2020), green infrastructure like rooftop gardens in Tokyo, are associated with usage, space affordance as well as image of identity. Kimura et al., (2004) cautions that cultural and social aspects may discourage rooftop gardening in Tokyo as membership to gardening clubs is often required due to difficulty in accessing roof space. According to the world population review, Tokyo’s population decreased to almost 14 million in 2021 and the aging of population signals the need for local social engagements like gardening. By comparing the varying lifestyles, resource availability, cultural aspects and other contrasting urban contexts of these two cities, we can gain further insight to build future cities resilient to climate change and natural hazards.
Abstract In many developing economies, vegetable vending has become a source of income for non-fa... more Abstract In many developing economies, vegetable vending has become a source of income for non-farmer women living in urban areas. In Nepal’s capital city Kathmandu, domestic migration has resulted in a dense population. Decreasing farmlands has stimulated the business of retailing vegetables among women. Vegetable vendors play an important role in contributing to urban health and economy by easing urbanites’ access to fresh vegetables. For women, vegetable vending has become an easier income because it does not require particular academic or technical background nor heavy manual labor. In this preliminary study, we try to picture the condition of women vegetable vendors at a pioneer vegetable market in Kathmandu. Our purpose was to gain first-hand information from women vegetable vendors about challenges they face and suggest ways to develop vendor-friendly market conditions. Data was collected by interviewing 31 women vendors at Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Wholesale Market in 2017. Based on their answers, we outlined practical ways to stabilize their income, mainly by improving temporary storage and cooling facilities within the market and establishing a monitoring body to assure consistent supply of quality produce.
This paper reports the opinions of 35 first-year students in a Japanese university, based on thei... more This paper reports the opinions of 35 first-year students in a Japanese university, based on their 300-500word short essays titled, "The importance of learning English in our global world." Understanding students' perspective on learning English as a global language is helpful for teachers who want to motivate students or develop motivational classroom strategies. In this study, students were provided a time span of 2 weeks to submit their essays on the university's online platform. A qualitative evaluation was conducted to find why students whose English level was basic, think learning English is important to them. Based on their essays, their reasons could be categorized to 1) for career development within Japan, 2) for career development abroad, and 3) for personal growth. It was noted that students felt inclined to live in an English-speaking country to be able to learn English. Some expressed that English language learning within Japanese borders was somehow insufficient because of the lack of opportunities to use English. Being a global lingua franca, English learning needs to be encouraged among Japanese students with focus on their own personal gains rather than on using English for only career oriented goals.
Feijoa sellowiana, a subtropical species of Myrtaceae family, native to South Brazil with seconda... more Feijoa sellowiana, a subtropical species of Myrtaceae family, native to South Brazil with secondary dispersion in Uruguay (Thorp and Bieleski, 2002), has both ornamental and medicinal properties and shows great potential in foods, drugs and cosmetics industry (Hardy and Michael, 1970; Kolesnik et al., 1991). Biopolymers like lignin and suberin are cell wall components and specialized plant cells can locally modify their cell walls by accumulating biopolymers as part of a developmental program or when challenged by environmental conditions (Roppolo and Geldner, 2012). It is interesting to study biopolymer accumulation in feijoa roots because it bears a special type of protective root tissue called polyderm, composed of alternating suberized and nonsuberized layers, common in only a few other plant families like Hypericaceae, Onagraceae and Rosaceae (Esau, 1970; Fahn, 1982). In our previous study on root polyderm (Nii et al., 2012), we called the non-suberized layers of polyderm, thic...
Bulletin of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mie University, 2021
Edible flowers help us gain pleasure from the way our food is presented by paying attention to de... more Edible flowers help us gain pleasure from the way our food is presented by paying attention to details like color, shape, flavor and aroma. Consumed since ancient times, edible flowers are regaining popularity in today’s cuisines. This paper 1) introduces edible flowers consumed in different countries and cultures around the world, 2) reports some medicinal and nutritional properties, and 3) lists issues related to its market and possible solutions. By learning and sharing the knowledge about edible flowers, we are able to revive the traditional knowledge accumulated by our ancestors that may prove valuable from medicinal and nutritional aspects. Development of edible flower market will rely on reviewing the legislation and standard of production that must differ from ornamental flowers. This is to ensure the health and safety concerns of customers. If specific measures are taken by all stakeholders to educate, convince and comfort consumers, edible flower market has the potential to grow as a new commodity in local markets around the world.
Pronunciation focused language learning enhances speaking and listening skills, so is viewed impo... more Pronunciation focused language learning enhances speaking and listening skills, so is viewed important in Japanese ESL classrooms. While debates about adopting an accent remain, the fi rst step is to learn communicable pronunciation. In our previous studies, we suggested that students’ ability to distinguish English and similar phonemes in their native language can be boosted by combining English and native words containing the target phoneme/s. This way, similar-yet-diff erent phonemes in English can be more distinguishable for ESL students, leading to improved pronunciation. In this study, thirty Japanese university students participated in tests using the voice-to-text feature in smartphones. Students fi rst recorded their pronunciation of word pairs then confi rmed the appearance of intended words, as text, in their smartphones. If a wrong word appeared, they could detect their own pronunciation error. They recorded 3 lists of word pairs containing 1) English-English words, 2) E...
Background: Endophytic fungi are largely underexplored in the discovery of natural bioactive prod... more Background: Endophytic fungi are largely underexplored in the discovery of natural bioactive products though being rich sources of novel compounds with promising pharmaceutical potential. In this study, Taxus wallichiana, which has huge medicinal value, was investigated for its endophytic diversity and capability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites by analyzing antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. Methods: The endophytes were identified by ITS-PCR using genomic DNA samples. The secondary metabolites were extracted by solvent extraction method using ethyl acetate. The antioxidant activity was analyzed by Thin Layer Chromatography, Total Phenol Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and DPPH assay, and the antimicrobial activity was analyzed by agar-well diffusion method. Brine shrimp lethality assay was used to analyze the cytotoxicity of the fungal extracts. Results: Out of 16 different Taxus trees sampled from different locations of Dhorpatan, 13 distin...
The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology
Summary The changes in morphology and anatomy during fruit development in red bayberry (Myrica ru... more Summary The changes in morphology and anatomy during fruit development in red bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) were examined in Japan. The edible portion of red bayberry is a juice column, compared with the juice sac in citrus. Juice columns are initiated as bulges on the epidermal side of the exocarp, and have condensed cytoplasm and large nuclei. Primordia developed continuously from anthesis on 22 April to 6 May, although some columns appeared before anthesis. The length of the juice column increased markedly from 2.9 mm on 10 June, to 7.6 mm on 1 July, corresponding to the increase in fruit diameter. At harvest, the juice column extended to approx. 65% of the fruit diameter. A vascular bundle entered each juice column and was connected to the mesocarp. A cap on the top of the column was initiated early in the development of the column and persisted until maturity. Several small glands also developed on the side of each juice column. These glands may act on a protection from insect damage, because the glands generally contain resin.
Nepal's major coffee cultivar 'Arabica' (Coffea arabica) has developed as a major export beverage... more Nepal's major coffee cultivar 'Arabica' (Coffea arabica) has developed as a major export beverage crop since it was first introduced in 1938 AD. It was first introduced in the country with more than 30,000 households involved in production and production peaking at more than 530 t in the year 2018-2019. Pests, especially the coffee white stem borer (Xylotrechus quadripes), has damaged coffee plantations in many parts of world including Nepal. This is a review paper to highlight pest control in Nepal based on previously published papers and collected information. It aims to compare pest management strategies in coffee pocket areas across Nepal using natural enemies and plants with pesticide like effect. Through this study, we aim to collect information on various strategies that have been applied in the past and present to combat this pest at every stage of its development. Controlling this pest alone could positively impact the future of successful coffee production in Nepal. Geographically, Nepalese coffee is produced at an elevation above what is known as the 'coffee belt'.
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal with 32 wards,
spreads across an area of 49.45 km². It is o... more Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal with 32 wards, spreads across an area of 49.45 km². It is one of the fastest urbanizing cities in Asia. Nepal was among the ten countries most affected by extreme weather events over the 2000– 2019 period according to the Global Climate Risk Index (Eckstein et al., 2021). World population review reported that Kathmandu’s population reached 1,521,000 in 2022 which is an increase of 3.33% from 2021. Built-up areas in Kathmandu Valley are expected to increase further to 352 km² by 2050, effectively doubling the equivalent 2018 figure (Mesta et al., 2022) which means drastic loss of farmlands and urban greenery. Creation of public parks and open space must be prioritized in Kathmandu also due to the risk from seismic activity (Gautam et al., 2017) which can serve as space for disaster relief. Free open spaces have become so scarce in Kathmandu that even river bank encroachment poses a new problem (Tamrakar & Parajuli, 2019). Supplying food to Kathmandu is often obstructed by natural calamities like floods and landslides that damage road connectivity, resulting in sudden rises in food prices. On the other hand, Tokyo, the capital city of Japan since 1868, is known as one of the most densely populated cities of the world, and spreads across an area of 2,191 square kilometers. Tokyo has public parks in 82 locations totaling 2,030 hectares which also serve as disaster refuge sites, the significance of which was recognized since the Great Kanto Earthquake of Tokyo in 1923 and as Masuda (2014) mentioned, landscape architecture plays an important role in disaster-prevention, response and social resiliency. In the report by Tran & Murata (2019, 2020), green infrastructure like rooftop gardens in Tokyo, are associated with usage, space affordance as well as image of identity. Kimura et al., (2004) cautions that cultural and social aspects may discourage rooftop gardening in Tokyo as membership to gardening clubs is often required due to difficulty in accessing roof space. According to the world population review, Tokyo’s population decreased to almost 14 million in 2021 and the aging of population signals the need for local social engagements like gardening. By comparing the varying lifestyles, resource availability, cultural aspects and other contrasting urban contexts of these two cities, we can gain further insight to build future cities resilient to climate change and natural hazards.
Abstract In many developing economies, vegetable vending has become a source of income for non-fa... more Abstract In many developing economies, vegetable vending has become a source of income for non-farmer women living in urban areas. In Nepal’s capital city Kathmandu, domestic migration has resulted in a dense population. Decreasing farmlands has stimulated the business of retailing vegetables among women. Vegetable vendors play an important role in contributing to urban health and economy by easing urbanites’ access to fresh vegetables. For women, vegetable vending has become an easier income because it does not require particular academic or technical background nor heavy manual labor. In this preliminary study, we try to picture the condition of women vegetable vendors at a pioneer vegetable market in Kathmandu. Our purpose was to gain first-hand information from women vegetable vendors about challenges they face and suggest ways to develop vendor-friendly market conditions. Data was collected by interviewing 31 women vendors at Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Wholesale Market in 2017. Based on their answers, we outlined practical ways to stabilize their income, mainly by improving temporary storage and cooling facilities within the market and establishing a monitoring body to assure consistent supply of quality produce.
This paper reports the opinions of 35 first-year students in a Japanese university, based on thei... more This paper reports the opinions of 35 first-year students in a Japanese university, based on their 300-500word short essays titled, "The importance of learning English in our global world." Understanding students' perspective on learning English as a global language is helpful for teachers who want to motivate students or develop motivational classroom strategies. In this study, students were provided a time span of 2 weeks to submit their essays on the university's online platform. A qualitative evaluation was conducted to find why students whose English level was basic, think learning English is important to them. Based on their essays, their reasons could be categorized to 1) for career development within Japan, 2) for career development abroad, and 3) for personal growth. It was noted that students felt inclined to live in an English-speaking country to be able to learn English. Some expressed that English language learning within Japanese borders was somehow insufficient because of the lack of opportunities to use English. Being a global lingua franca, English learning needs to be encouraged among Japanese students with focus on their own personal gains rather than on using English for only career oriented goals.
Feijoa sellowiana, a subtropical species of Myrtaceae family, native to South Brazil with seconda... more Feijoa sellowiana, a subtropical species of Myrtaceae family, native to South Brazil with secondary dispersion in Uruguay (Thorp and Bieleski, 2002), has both ornamental and medicinal properties and shows great potential in foods, drugs and cosmetics industry (Hardy and Michael, 1970; Kolesnik et al., 1991). Biopolymers like lignin and suberin are cell wall components and specialized plant cells can locally modify their cell walls by accumulating biopolymers as part of a developmental program or when challenged by environmental conditions (Roppolo and Geldner, 2012). It is interesting to study biopolymer accumulation in feijoa roots because it bears a special type of protective root tissue called polyderm, composed of alternating suberized and nonsuberized layers, common in only a few other plant families like Hypericaceae, Onagraceae and Rosaceae (Esau, 1970; Fahn, 1982). In our previous study on root polyderm (Nii et al., 2012), we called the non-suberized layers of polyderm, thic...
Bulletin of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mie University, 2021
Edible flowers help us gain pleasure from the way our food is presented by paying attention to de... more Edible flowers help us gain pleasure from the way our food is presented by paying attention to details like color, shape, flavor and aroma. Consumed since ancient times, edible flowers are regaining popularity in today’s cuisines. This paper 1) introduces edible flowers consumed in different countries and cultures around the world, 2) reports some medicinal and nutritional properties, and 3) lists issues related to its market and possible solutions. By learning and sharing the knowledge about edible flowers, we are able to revive the traditional knowledge accumulated by our ancestors that may prove valuable from medicinal and nutritional aspects. Development of edible flower market will rely on reviewing the legislation and standard of production that must differ from ornamental flowers. This is to ensure the health and safety concerns of customers. If specific measures are taken by all stakeholders to educate, convince and comfort consumers, edible flower market has the potential to grow as a new commodity in local markets around the world.
Pronunciation focused language learning enhances speaking and listening skills, so is viewed impo... more Pronunciation focused language learning enhances speaking and listening skills, so is viewed important in Japanese ESL classrooms. While debates about adopting an accent remain, the fi rst step is to learn communicable pronunciation. In our previous studies, we suggested that students’ ability to distinguish English and similar phonemes in their native language can be boosted by combining English and native words containing the target phoneme/s. This way, similar-yet-diff erent phonemes in English can be more distinguishable for ESL students, leading to improved pronunciation. In this study, thirty Japanese university students participated in tests using the voice-to-text feature in smartphones. Students fi rst recorded their pronunciation of word pairs then confi rmed the appearance of intended words, as text, in their smartphones. If a wrong word appeared, they could detect their own pronunciation error. They recorded 3 lists of word pairs containing 1) English-English words, 2) E...
Background: Endophytic fungi are largely underexplored in the discovery of natural bioactive prod... more Background: Endophytic fungi are largely underexplored in the discovery of natural bioactive products though being rich sources of novel compounds with promising pharmaceutical potential. In this study, Taxus wallichiana, which has huge medicinal value, was investigated for its endophytic diversity and capability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites by analyzing antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. Methods: The endophytes were identified by ITS-PCR using genomic DNA samples. The secondary metabolites were extracted by solvent extraction method using ethyl acetate. The antioxidant activity was analyzed by Thin Layer Chromatography, Total Phenol Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and DPPH assay, and the antimicrobial activity was analyzed by agar-well diffusion method. Brine shrimp lethality assay was used to analyze the cytotoxicity of the fungal extracts. Results: Out of 16 different Taxus trees sampled from different locations of Dhorpatan, 13 distin...
The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology
Summary The changes in morphology and anatomy during fruit development in red bayberry (Myrica ru... more Summary The changes in morphology and anatomy during fruit development in red bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) were examined in Japan. The edible portion of red bayberry is a juice column, compared with the juice sac in citrus. Juice columns are initiated as bulges on the epidermal side of the exocarp, and have condensed cytoplasm and large nuclei. Primordia developed continuously from anthesis on 22 April to 6 May, although some columns appeared before anthesis. The length of the juice column increased markedly from 2.9 mm on 10 June, to 7.6 mm on 1 July, corresponding to the increase in fruit diameter. At harvest, the juice column extended to approx. 65% of the fruit diameter. A vascular bundle entered each juice column and was connected to the mesocarp. A cap on the top of the column was initiated early in the development of the column and persisted until maturity. Several small glands also developed on the side of each juice column. These glands may act on a protection from insect damage, because the glands generally contain resin.
Abstract
As a result of rural-urban migration, population centralization in Kathmandu is negative... more Abstract As a result of rural-urban migration, population centralization in Kathmandu is negatively affecting the lives of its residents. Decreasing farmlands and dependence on imported vegetables has increased the food prices, questioning affordability, freshness, risking health and well-being. In this context, farming on roof tops can be efficient, convenient and attractive. Utilizing the unused rooftop areas can increase the productivity of limited urban spaces. So far, a few projects on roof-top gardens (RTGs) have been conducted in Kathmandu, yet a detailed study about its practicality is lacking. Based on comparisons and references to other Asian countries and literatures published, this paper draws conclusions on ways of developing RTGs as an industry in Kathmandu, for income generation, employment creation, diet supplement, household waste management and biotope regeneration, thus exposing its potentials to suit the culture and life-style of Kathmandu residents. To operate an RTG, one does not need to be a home-owner. A new trend of ‘roof rental service’ for professional city farmers can be developed through new policies so that a yearly production target can be set matching the climatic cycle. The uniqueness and value of growing food on Kathmandu’s roof tops must be acknowledged by all, not only for commercial, but also for therapeutic purposes, reconnecting the urbanites to nature, enriching their minds and bodies.
The Japan Association for Global Competency Education Sixth National Conference held at Meijo University, 2018
As a strategy to replenish the Japanese workforce, attracting foreign students to choose Japan as... more As a strategy to replenish the Japanese workforce, attracting foreign students to choose Japan as study abroad destination was promoted and as a result, the job competency between foreign and Japanese graduates has increased. English fluency is regarded an advantage in the job market, an area where Japanese graduates need better preparation. These days instead of learning English as a separate, compulsory subject, using it as a medium to gain specialized education at universities in Japan is viewed to be a practical approach. In some Japanese universities it is already being implied from bachelor’s degree first year. This system has two advantages. It will ease the admission process for foreign students because they won’t be required to learn Japanese language and Japanese students can get early exposure to English at university. However, at present not all Japanese students are prepared to take English-medium education for specialized classes because not all subjects are offered in English. Moreover, in some cases only students with certain TOEIC score are allowed to join such classes. This paper explores the benefits and challenges of conducting an English-medium specialized class based on the teaching experience at College of Liberal Arts and Science, Mie University.
Vegetable farming and retail has become a lucrative source of income for Nepali farmers in the re... more Vegetable farming and retail has become a lucrative source of income for Nepali farmers in the recent years, especially for women. Media sources have also played an important role to promote vegetable farmers. Government schemes and international support have benefited the vegetable production, yet they face multiple constraints that hinder commercialization. In this study seven contributing factors to generate reliable income from vegetable farming are discussed. Past accomplishments and prevailing problems are presented based on information collected from published works in the last 10-20 years with the aim of seeking possible solution strategies in the Nepali context.
Bulletin of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mie University, 2020
In today’s world, as the food we consume are traded across distant lands, there is a global awake... more In today’s world, as the food we consume are traded across distant lands, there is a global awakening to learn about traditional foods popular in different cultures. Gaining knowledge of food diversity is important for food security in a world that is populating fast. Rediscovery and introduction of ingredients used in different cultures are leading to new commercially successful food items not yet known widely. The purpose of this paper is to introduce various uses of Carissa carandas L., a popular berry fruit known as ‘karonda’ in the Indian subcontinent. Attention given to food from different cultures is proof of general public’s interest in foreign ingredients. Often, such knowledge can lead to economic benefit to importing countries. As a fruit tree with medicinal, nutritional and functional value, Carissa carandas L. has the potential to be an economically beneficial crop. Here, specific information has been collected about: 1) commercial species, 2) medicinal properties 3) propagation, 4) processed food items, and 5) other uses.
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Papers by Astha Tuladhar
spreads across an area of 49.45 km². It is one of the fastest
urbanizing cities in Asia. Nepal was among the ten countries
most affected by extreme weather events over the 2000–
2019 period according to the Global Climate Risk Index
(Eckstein et al., 2021). World population review reported that
Kathmandu’s population reached 1,521,000 in 2022 which
is an increase of 3.33% from 2021. Built-up areas in Kathmandu Valley are expected to increase further to 352 km² by
2050, effectively doubling the equivalent 2018 figure (Mesta
et al., 2022) which means drastic loss of farmlands and urban
greenery. Creation of public parks and open space must be
prioritized in Kathmandu also due to the risk from seismic
activity (Gautam et al., 2017) which can serve as space for
disaster relief. Free open spaces have become so scarce in
Kathmandu that even river bank encroachment poses a new
problem (Tamrakar & Parajuli, 2019). Supplying food to Kathmandu is often obstructed by natural calamities like floods
and landslides that damage road connectivity, resulting in
sudden rises in food prices.
On the other hand, Tokyo, the capital city of Japan
since 1868, is known as one of the most densely populated cities of the world, and spreads across an area of 2,191
square kilometers. Tokyo has public parks in 82 locations
totaling 2,030 hectares which also serve as disaster refuge
sites, the significance of which was recognized since the
Great Kanto Earthquake of Tokyo in 1923 and as Masuda
(2014) mentioned, landscape architecture plays an important
role in disaster-prevention, response and social resiliency.
In the report by Tran & Murata (2019, 2020), green infrastructure like rooftop gardens in Tokyo, are associated with
usage, space affordance as well as image of identity. Kimura
et al., (2004) cautions that cultural and social aspects may
discourage rooftop gardening in Tokyo as membership to
gardening clubs is often required due to difficulty in accessing roof space. According to the world population review,
Tokyo’s population decreased to almost 14 million in 2021
and the aging of population signals the need for local social
engagements like gardening.
By comparing the varying lifestyles, resource availability, cultural aspects and other contrasting urban contexts of
these two cities, we can gain further insight to build future
cities resilient to climate change and natural hazards.
spreads across an area of 49.45 km². It is one of the fastest
urbanizing cities in Asia. Nepal was among the ten countries
most affected by extreme weather events over the 2000–
2019 period according to the Global Climate Risk Index
(Eckstein et al., 2021). World population review reported that
Kathmandu’s population reached 1,521,000 in 2022 which
is an increase of 3.33% from 2021. Built-up areas in Kathmandu Valley are expected to increase further to 352 km² by
2050, effectively doubling the equivalent 2018 figure (Mesta
et al., 2022) which means drastic loss of farmlands and urban
greenery. Creation of public parks and open space must be
prioritized in Kathmandu also due to the risk from seismic
activity (Gautam et al., 2017) which can serve as space for
disaster relief. Free open spaces have become so scarce in
Kathmandu that even river bank encroachment poses a new
problem (Tamrakar & Parajuli, 2019). Supplying food to Kathmandu is often obstructed by natural calamities like floods
and landslides that damage road connectivity, resulting in
sudden rises in food prices.
On the other hand, Tokyo, the capital city of Japan
since 1868, is known as one of the most densely populated cities of the world, and spreads across an area of 2,191
square kilometers. Tokyo has public parks in 82 locations
totaling 2,030 hectares which also serve as disaster refuge
sites, the significance of which was recognized since the
Great Kanto Earthquake of Tokyo in 1923 and as Masuda
(2014) mentioned, landscape architecture plays an important
role in disaster-prevention, response and social resiliency.
In the report by Tran & Murata (2019, 2020), green infrastructure like rooftop gardens in Tokyo, are associated with
usage, space affordance as well as image of identity. Kimura
et al., (2004) cautions that cultural and social aspects may
discourage rooftop gardening in Tokyo as membership to
gardening clubs is often required due to difficulty in accessing roof space. According to the world population review,
Tokyo’s population decreased to almost 14 million in 2021
and the aging of population signals the need for local social
engagements like gardening.
By comparing the varying lifestyles, resource availability, cultural aspects and other contrasting urban contexts of
these two cities, we can gain further insight to build future
cities resilient to climate change and natural hazards.
As a result of rural-urban migration, population centralization in Kathmandu is negatively affecting the lives of its residents. Decreasing farmlands and dependence on imported vegetables has increased the food prices, questioning affordability, freshness, risking health and well-being. In this context, farming on roof tops can be efficient, convenient and attractive. Utilizing the unused rooftop areas can increase the productivity of limited urban spaces. So far, a few projects on roof-top gardens (RTGs) have been conducted in Kathmandu, yet a detailed study about its practicality is lacking. Based on comparisons and references to other Asian countries and literatures published, this paper draws conclusions on ways of developing RTGs as an industry in Kathmandu, for income generation, employment creation, diet supplement, household waste management and biotope regeneration, thus exposing its potentials to suit the culture and life-style of Kathmandu residents. To operate an RTG, one does not need to be a home-owner. A new trend of ‘roof rental service’ for professional city farmers can be developed through new policies so that a yearly production target can be set matching the climatic cycle. The uniqueness and value of growing food on Kathmandu’s roof tops must be acknowledged by all, not only for commercial, but also for therapeutic purposes, reconnecting the urbanites to nature, enriching their minds and bodies.