Sponsor: IDEX (International Development Exchange)
Project Information
Project duration: 3 Years
Project's area of focus: Sustainable agriculture and income generating projects.
Project Needs and Beneficiaries
In rural Nepal, many men often migrate to the city in search of work, and women are left to raise families and farm. In recent decades, farmers have become overly dependent on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and over time, local practices of sustainable farming have been lost. ASHA works with 200 women farmers to preserve high-nutrient local seed varieties and revert to low-cost organic cultivation methods that provide a broad variety of produce for family consumption and sales.
Activities
Support 9 women’s groups and offer organic farming training (saving seeds, making compost, preparing fertilizers) along with business skills to sell products. A “train-the-trainer” model ensures women farmers that are trained go on to train others.
Expected Outcomes
Women are empowered with the skills and resources to care for their families. Communities increase awareness on sustainable agriculture and improve their food security. Land quality is restored and families have increased income.
Project Message
I learned a lot from composting training. Items that we would consider as waste and throw away have a lot of value. Say, urine of animals, fodder waste, cow dung etc. Waste can be converted to gold!
- Lalu Maya Lama of Kurilo group, Member of savings and credit group
Project Contact
Gillian Wilson,
IDEX Latin America Program Director
IDEX 827 Valencia Street, Suite 101 San Francisco, CA 94110
United States
415-824-8384
To improve the health, livelihood, education and socioeconomic status of the children and the community as a whole through: sustainable management of resources; capacity building for groups and individuals; institutionalization and advocacy for sustainable agriculture, food security, and social development.
Organization's Programs
School Health Program in public schools targeting schoolchildren, teachers, School Management Committee, parents and local health institutions. Community Health Program in the rural areas involving active participation of community members and local health institutions. Nutrition Promotion through sustainable agriculture and gardening targeting school children and local communities. Environmental programs targeting school children and community members.
Organization Statistics
Mr. Ram Babu Koirala,
Secretary
Founded in 1998
Employees: 6
Volunteers: 3
Personnel Overview
Amod Poudyal - Chairperson
Amod Poudyal is one of the founding members of ASHA, Nepal. Amod is a full-time teacher at the University of Tribhuvan in Kathmandu and maintains an instrumental role in implementing the projects of the organization.
