This spring, we had the privilege of continuing a project that many students before us had laid the foundation for: improving food preservation and reducing post-harvest losses in the Himalayan region, particularly in Bhutan and Nepal. As part of the ongoing SolarFood project, our Master’s thesis focused on understanding what helps – and what hinders – the spread of improved solar drying technology among rural small-scale farmers in Bhutan.
The solar dryer developed within the project shows great potential. Over the years, it has been optimised through multiple iterations, and has gotten several design improvements along the way. The unit now offers a drying process that is both efficient, hygienic and protected against the elements – especially compared to traditional methods. However, adoption has remained limited despite these benefits. Our mission for our thesis was to investigate why this is the case: what are the challenges and opportunities for adoption of improved solar drying technology in a country as geographically and culturally diverse as Bhutan?
Answering this question needed more than just technical analysis and speculation. We wanted the answer to be as accurate and nuanced as possible, which required extensive data collection in the field. This meant going directly to the stakeholders scattered across Bhutan’s breathtaking landscape to investigate, which opened up opportunities to explore the country and its culture to a degree we could not have imagined in our wildest dreams. We visited small-scale farmers and local carpenters in many villages across several dzongkhags (regions) to conduct interview studies.
We listened to people’s stories, getting their insights, and learned about the circumstances affecting them and their agricultural practices day-to-day. These conversations taught us lots about rural development and the delicate challenges of introducing new technology in remote and isolated communities where tradition is so deeply rooted. The responses we got to our questions varied across regions, but one thing remained constant: the incredible hospitality we experienced.
Everywhere we went, we were met with kindness, curiosity, generosity and a genuine willingness to help out. It was truly inspiring and almost overwhelming (in the best possible way!), and is something we will carry with us for life.
Our home base during our time in Bhutan was the College of Science and Technology, located close to Phuentsholing in the southwestern part of the country. When we arrived, we were both excited and eager to begin the work on our thesis, but admittedly also a bit nervous since the environment was so different compared to what we were used to. However, these initial nerves quickly faded as both the students and staff gave us a really warm welcome, introducing us to the campus, local area and the student life. We felt right at home, and made friends at an astonishing rate. The students (especially the amazing electrical engineering students) not only helped us settle in, but made sure we experienced Bhutanese culture from the inside.
We celebrated national holidays together, we laughed and exchanged stories (and tea) late into the night, we visited temples, swimming spots and sights around the area, we teamed up for dance performances and fashion competitions on the campus, and we were taught how to cook some traditional Bhutanese recipes. Thanks to them, we now know how to make ema datshi, kewa datshi and delicious masala chai – and they got to try some Swedish traditions such as easter egg painting, treasure hunting, and some student dances from LTH. Additionally, they got to experience Eurovision, Djungelvrål, Ahlgrens bilar, and perhaps the world’s first chocolate balls made with yak butter.
Our time in Bhutan passed quickly. The fieldwork days in the villages were crammed with interviews, bumpy roads, beautiful views, and endless cups of tea (and sometimes homemade ara…). Back on campus, we worked hard to analyse our findings, reflect on the bigger picture, and present the results. In the middle of it all, we even got the opportunity to present our preliminary findings at a conference in Thimphu. But what we will remember the most are probably the moments in between with our friends, and the feeling of being genuinely included in a place so different from home.
While our project focused on food preservation, we ended up learning just as much about social aspects, human connection, and what respectful exchange really means. We feel incredibly grateful to have been part of this project, and to the many people we met who made our stay so meaningful. To future students: if you get the chance to do an exchange in Bhutan – go for it. It will challenge you, surprise you, and change you for the better.
Text and photo: Noah Andreasson och Linda Lundevaller, Lund University
From left Assistant professor Cheku Dorji, Noah Andreasson, Linda Lundevaller, CST President Cheki Dorji