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A Participatory Framework to Identify Gross National Happiness Issues for the Development of Smallholder Mixed Farming Systems in Bhutan

Author

Listed:
  • Samdup, Tashi
  • Udo, Henk M.J.
  • van der Zijpp, Akke J.

Abstract

This paper presents a participatory methodological framework to identify Gross National Happiness (GNH) issues at the smallholder level in Bhutan. GNH is a development paradigm of Bhutan that has increasingly drawn international attention. Its four pillars are sustainable and equitable socioeconomic development, preservation of the environment, preservation and promotion of culture, and promotion of good governance. Since GNH is usually discussed at the national level, its domains and indicators have been defined through a top-down intellectual exercise, with possibly limited relevance of the major issues for most rural Bhutanese, which represent 69 percent of the country’s population. The methodology applied in this study was useful in identifying key GNH issues from a systems perspective at the smallholder level. Socioeconomic development and the environmental aspects were found to be the pertinent issues. The study also revealed trade-offs and dependencies among the four GNH pillars and their indicators. Inclusive policies are needed to address the concerns of smallholder farmers. If GNH is to work for the present and future generations, then it is essential to embrace the GNH issues of smallholder farmers who compose the backbone of the Bhutanese population. Further, the GNH concept is currently a mix of issues and indicators. Translating the issues identified by the study into indicators is required to properly evaluate the progress at the farm level and to support GNH policy development.

Suggested Citation

  • Samdup, Tashi & Udo, Henk M.J. & van der Zijpp, Akke J., 2014. "A Participatory Framework to Identify Gross National Happiness Issues for the Development of Smallholder Mixed Farming Systems in Bhutan," Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), vol. 11(1), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:phajad:200290
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.200290
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Arsenio M Balisacan & Rosemarie G. Edillon & Sharon Faye Piza, 2005. "Rural Poverty in Southeast Asia: Issues, Policies, and Challenges," Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), vol. 2(1&2), pages 25-38, December.
    2. Chhewang Rinzin & Walter J. V. Vermeulen & Pieter Glasbergen, 2007. "Public perceptions of Bhutan's approach to sustainable development in practice," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 15(1), pages 52-68.
    3. Sameer Alhamidi & Mats Gustafsson & Hans Larsson & Per Hillbur, 2003. "The cultural background of the sustainability of the traditional farming system in the Ghouta the oasis of Damascus, Syria," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 20(3), pages 231-240, September.
    4. World Commission on Environment and Development,, 1987. "Our Common Future," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780192820808.
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