Local news

At Practical Action, we are committed to fostering young women professionals by providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in specialised fields. Our Women Traineeship programme in Nepal is proof of this commitment. By offering a year-long traineeship, we aim to empower young women, enhance their professional skills, and prepare them for impactful careers. This initiative not only supports individual growth but also contributes to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Rekha Nepal, environmental student and our first trainee on this programme, has documented her enriching journey and its significant impact on her personal and professional development.

The Local Adaptation Programme of Action (LAPA): A national innovation In 2011, Nepal pioneered an innovative strategy to localise climate adaptation action and finance by formulating the national framework for Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPA).

In the heart of the Amazon, farmers Gerardo, Álvaro, Sergio, and Vicente of the Kanús Cooperative have transformed their cacao cultivation, blending traditional methods with modern techniques. Supported by Practical Action, they've boosted their yields and market presence while preserving their natural environment. Discover their journey of resilience, collaboration, and sustainable development in the vast green forests along the Santiago River.

In rural Nepal, where traditional gender roles prevail, a transformative initiative is underway. Through Practical Action’s “Empowering Women Farmers with Digital Finance” project, Women Digital Champions like Sunita KC in Dang are challenging stereotypes and leading households toward digital and financial literacy. Subina Shrestha, Programme Associate in Nepal, engaged with male family members across villages, witnessing a profound shift: these initiatives not only empower women economically but also foster inclusive communities, paving the way for a thriving future for all.

In Rwanda’s Eastern Province, amidst the green landscapes of the Mahama sector in the Kirehe district, an initiative known as the Climate Resilient Farming Project (CRF) has taken root, achieving remarkable positive change. As the project approaches its end, the stories shared by the refugees tell the story of its impact, particularly on the two cooperatives involved. This project is a powerful example of transformation through fostering resilience, sustainability, and economic empowerment.

Nearly a year into our fieldwork, significant strides have been made in the project "Building Community Resilience in Vulnerable Watersheds of Cajamarca, Lambayeque, and La Libertad in Peru," supported by USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).

In Sudan's Blue Nile State, where farming relies heavily on fickle rains, Practical Action is supporting communities toward stability and prosperity. Amidst the challenges of climate change, we partnered with the International Potato Center (CIP) on the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan project, aiming to transform local farming practices. Now, as these successes take root, a promising future emerges for agriculture in the Blue Nile, marked by resilience and innovation.

Nasima Begum, a sanitation worker, delivered the keynote paper at the 6th FSM Convention held on 3 March at the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) in Dhaka.

North Darfur is one of the most drought-prone areas of Sudan, made worse by climate change. Rainfall has drastically declined, and its patterns have become increasingly unpredictable. As a result, severe droughts in recent years, alongside increased temperatures and heat waves, are contributing to shrinking vital resources for the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists. As projections suggest, the risks of climate change will continue to be exacerbated. In a fragile context due to political and economic conflicts, the difficulty of accessing water and fertile land for both farmers and pastoralists contributes to fanning the flames of inter-village conflict. And for prosperous futures to flourish, collaboration, peace and understanding are needed.