Sustaining Agriculture-Nutrition Interventions: Analysis of Determinants of Village Model Farmer Active Engagement in Nepal

Abstract Objectives Homestead food production (HFP) programs rely on village model farmers (VMFs) for implementation of agriculture-nutrition activities. No studies have assessed sustainability of VMFs. Our objective was to test determinants of VMFs remaining and actively working several years after being selected as VMFs. Methods We used cross-sectional monitoring data, collected in 2018 and 2019 among VMFs in Suaahara (2011–2021), a multi-sectoral integrated nutrition program that includes HFP in Nepal. Remaining as a VMF was assessed from self-report. Actively working as a VMF was based on whether s/he was leading an HFP beneficiary group, registered the HFP group, conducting regular group meetings, and engaging in saving and credit activities. Potential socio-economic and demographic determinants were identified a priori: gender, age, education, caste, being a female community health volunteer, socio-economic status, agricultural land size, household size, duration of being a VMF, residing in disaster-affected districts, agro-ecological zone, and number of trainings and inputs received. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios among 4732 VMFs. Results The odds of remaining and actively working were greater among those with some education compared to those without education. VMFs having more agricultural land were 2.25 and 1.14 times more likely to be remaining and actively working as a VMF, respectively. VMFs working for longer were less likely to remain and be active. More types of trainings and inputs received were associated with greater odds of remaining and actively working as an VMF. VMFs older than 35 y, other caste than Dalit, and living in Mountains and Hills were more likely to remain and actively work. We did not find significant association for household size and richer households. Conclusions Age, education, caste, agricultural land size, household wealth, time since becoming a VMF, and number of trainings and inputs received were important determinants of VMFs remaining and actively working in the program. Examining these factors can help selection of front-line workers to ensure their engagement and sustainability. Funding Sources United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under Cooperative Agreement No. AID-367-A-16–00006.