Dr. Suman Kharel¹, Dr. Rajan Binayek Pasa^1,

This study engages with the prime objective: to examine to what extent the existing agricultural delivery practices of local government has affected the livelihood of farmers and their capacity development. Methodologically, the three Rural Municipalities were selected in terms of past performance representing each ecological belt of Province Number 1. The study applied quantitative approach as well as exit-poll and institutional survey research strategies. The 504 respondents; local elected representatives, administrative staffs, and service receivers were selected using standard sampling techniques to the structured interview. The research issues have been further interpreted through theoretical insights i.e. decentralization, new public management, and multi-level governance perspectives. The study has identified that people are expecting some larger expectations of improved service delivery in the changed perspectives of governance. After local elections, the local government units are working effectively and efficiently through the reformative administrative functions for offering good networking of agriculture service delivery practices. As a result, the integration of this sector along with other commercial activities is helpful to boost the rural economy and encourage more people including educated/skilled youths in the agriculture farming. Finally, knowledge generated from this study has greater implication on knowledge level (theoretical, methodological and constitutional), practical level (to the duty bearers and service receivers) and policy level (to the policy makers and planners working in central to local levels).

Governance, local government, agriculture, agriculture service delivery, commercial farming and livelihood