“Before cardamom, we used to face hardship”: Analyzing agricultural commercialization effects in Nepal through a local concept of the Good Life

Numerous low-income countries foster the commercialization of smallholder agriculture to achieve development outcomes and improve lives rural population. The effects policies, however, are measured using a limited set indicators. This paper exemplifies new approach study agricultural change: analyzing through local concept Good Life. In our case East Nepal, we first elicited Life qualitative interviews participatory photography. analysis, disaggregated data between men women, elderly young, farmers laborers as well members different castes. Second, applied resulting evaluation commercialization. Our results show that is multidimensional includes both subjectively objectively measurable dimensions. Respondents across all socio-economic groups consistently emphasized notion hardship (dukha) in their concepts perspectives on change. Commercialization was evaluated positively predominantly because it reduced physical financial hardship, addition tangible improvements other domains. However, respondents also pointed limitations contributing Life: ultimate reduction associated with prospect non-agricultural employment. offers nuanced perspective Including views analyses change enables researchers policy makers alike direct efforts those aspects most meaningful