Programme development for markets and livelihoods

Project: Increasing the competitiveness of dairy sector

The new programmatic focus of Aim 2 in Nepal is on “Increasing the competitiveness of dairy sector” by working with over 100,000 small holder dairy farmers in Chitwan, Tanahu, Dhading and Gorkha Districts considered as “Dairy Belt”. This programme is focused on strengthening the dairy sector in Nepal by fostering the development of conducive policies, increasing the coordination and collaboration amongst market actors and by stimulating the growth of effective and efficient inputs and service providers. A project entitled “DAULAT- Dairy for Assisting Transformation and Uplifting Livelihoods for Poor People in Nepal” is developed.

Although Practical Action in Nepal has just begun to use PMSD approaches for market development, already the lessons of the dairy sector in Nepal was highlighted in the USAID’s Best Practices in Implementation Series as a best practice on value chain development with major focus on the market mapping exercises and its outcomes.

Project: Linking rural and remote farmers to rewarding markets

Under its programme development objectives, the Market and Livelihoods team have focused on enhancing the livelihoods of rural and remote small holder farmers mostly in far west Nepal through an integrated approach of value chain development and Business Development Service (BDS) market development for Horticulture and Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) sector. The programme focuses on developing the capacities of small holder farmers to access appropriate services along with better linkages to local and regional markets.

The project has analysed the value chains for high value vegetables, spices, fruits and selected NTFPs like essential oils based on the increasing demand and the abilities of small holder farmers to respond to market opportunities. Aim 2 team is currently developing two separate projects on both of these sectors for scaling-up key activities and interventions.

Practical Action Nepal | Markets & Livelihoods programme | International Programme Aim 2