Life cycle sustainability assessment of an agricultural product in rural areas of Western Nepal : case study of goat meat

Abstract

Purpose: In Nepal, goat farming plays a vital role in the agricultural economy and food security, and this number is increasing. The purpose of this study was to understand the sustainability impacts of this highly important food item and to test a life cycle assessment method for an agricultural product in Nepal for the first time. Methods: Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) was applied to assess the carbon footprint, social impacts, and life cycle costs of goat meat produced in Western Nepal in Sudurpashchim and Karnali Provinces. Primary data were collected from goat farms, field cultivation, middlemen, and butcheries to assess climate impact and costs. Goat farmer group discussions were held to cover social impacts. Results and discussion: The carbon footprint of the carcass weight of the goat meat was 17 kg CO2eq/kg CW. Further studies should focus on methane emissions from enteric fermentation and manure and the overall efficiency of the production chain. The results indicate that, in general, the goat business is a good business, but profitability is mostly toward the downstream side of the value chain, especially for butchers selling directly to customers. Meeting basic needs, access to services and inputs, and women’s empowerment were identified as social hotspots in several regions. Conclusions: LCSA is an applicable method in the food and agricultural sector in Nepal and provides several possibilities for the future. By integrating environmental, social, and economic perspectives, future interventions can better support small-scale farmers, enhance their livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.