active· Livelihoods· Governance

Improved food security sustainable livelihoods and empowerment of women

Bajhang is one of the least developed districts of Nepal where almost 50 % of people live below poverty line and suffer from food insecurity. Agricultural productivity is low due to lack of technical knowledge and unavailability of quality inputs and irrig ation facilities. There are natural resources available but due to limited knowhow and poor market access people are not able to use them for livelihood improvement purpose. In the patriarchal communities women suffer from gender dicsrimination and violenc e and are excluded from decision-making.The objective of this project is to uplift the livelihoods and food security of the socially and economically marginalized communities of Masta Rural Municipality through improved farming practices value addition and better access to markets empower women through capacity development and leadership trainings and build more resilient communities through sustainable animal husbandry and natural resource management and developing NTFP-based livelihood opportunities.The p roject implemented by Sahara Nepal and supported by Swallows supports Finland's development objectives by increasing food security and promoting sustainable use of natural resources and enhancing the rights and status of women and girls. The project will s trengthen local partner organization's capacity and role in community capacity building and establishing linkages between communities and local government. The project is expected to benefit directly around 300 poor households. At least half of the benefic iaries will be women.