National AMR context
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the pressing global health threats, and its impact is severe in low-and middle-income countries such as Nepal. In Nepal, the irrational use of antibiotics in livestock, especially in poultry farming, is a major driver for AMR (Pokharel et al. 2020). Poultry is central to the country’s food security and economy, making this issue both a public health and development concern (Pokharel et al. 2020). Compounding this challenge, climate change is expected to exacerbate AMR, as rising temperatures promote bacterial growth and resistance (MacFadden et al. 2018). Addressing AMR in poultry farming is therefore critical not only to protect animal and human health but also to safeguard national food systems and the resilience of Nepal’s agricultural economy.
Problem
Nepal’s poultry sector faces a dual challenge: antimicrobial resistance and the growing impact of climate change. Heat stress weakens poultry immune systems, increasing susceptibility to disease and reliance on antibiotics (Nawaz et al. 2021). At the same time, common deep litter systems contribute to ammonia accumulations and greenhouse gas emissions, harming poultry health and further driving antibiotic use (Miles et al. 2004). These interconnected pressures heighten the risk of resistant infections and compromise both productivity and sustainability. Despite the scale of the problem, affordable and practical solutions for farmers remain limited. Without appropriate intervention, poultry production in Nepal, climate impacts, and AMR are challenging productivity and food security.
Project overview
The project seeks to test affordable, scalable strategies to reduce AMR and mitigate climate impacts in poultry farms in Nepal. The study will begin with a survey of broiler farms in Bagmati Province, the country’s poultry hub, to assess farmers’ baseline knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) around antibiotic use, biosecurity, and climate-related challenges/practices. Findings will inform a randomized control trial (RCT) divided into intervention and control arms. The intervention combines two approaches: spraying poultry litter with a safe disinfectant and providing farmer training on rational antibiotic use and biosecurity practices. Researchers will monitor farm environments, poultry health, and bacterial resistance throughout the study. Collaboration with government, farmer groups, and industry stakeholders will ensure the intervention is practical, sustainable, and aligned with national priorities. Results will generate evidence to support climate-smart, AMR-sensitive poultry production systems in Nepal.
Solutions and outcomes
The intervention combines technical and behavioral strategies: disinfectant spraying to reduce bacterial activity and emissions from poultry litter, and farmer training to strengthen biosecurity practices and responsible antibiotic use. Studies show disinfectants lower ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions, creating a healthier environment for poultry (Witkowska et al. 2006; Anderson et al. 2021). By improving knowledge and practices, farmer training will help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use while enhancing climate resilience. Together, these measures are expected to lower disease incidence, reduce antimicrobial use, and curb resistance. Beyond farm-level benefits, the approach also contributes to climate change mitigation and food system sustainability. The evidence generated will inform policy and encourage wider adoption of climate-smart poultry farming practices. Findings will be shared with policymakers, farming communities, and industry leaders to foster sustainable solutions for food security and resilient farming in Nepal.
