Author: admin

Joint Meeting on sharing emerging findings, reflections and learnings

Posted on by admin

Women around the world are disproportionately stressed by unpaid care work and the effects of shocks, especially in emerging and rural economies. However, much of the work being done to transition to a net-zero economy is frequently fragmented, biased against women, and does not take into account their specific needs and interests. The Gender Equality in a Low-Carbon World (GLOW) research programme was initiated by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in response to this pressing knowledge gap. GLOW funded 12 initiatives in 17 low- and middle-income nations to investigate into how to incorporate women’s economic empowerment into low-carbon, climate-resilient transitions. Nepal was successful in bagging the two out of twelve projects which are implemented by  ForestAction Nepal-, Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions  in Sindhupalchok and Nawalparasi district while  SIAS  implementing Co-production of Shock Resilient Business Ecosystems for Women Engaged Enterprises (CREW) in Ramechhap, Dolakha and Arghakhanchi districts.

In order to share emerging findings, reflections and learnings between two above mentioned IDRC funded projects in Nepal under (GLOW) program and to identify the areas for collaborative outputs and synergy building for a better enabling environment on women’s economic empowerment in natural resource management sector, ForestAction Nepal along with the SIAS Nepal and their consortium partners organized the joint meeting on 28 June 2023 in the presence of the Dr. Bhim Adhikari, Senior Program Specialist /Sustainable Inclusive Économies – IDRC Canada.

ForestAction Nepal’s consortium partners, HIMAWANTI Nepal, AFFON, and FenFIT, presented their perspectives on approaches and strategies adopted in the project, reflected the achievements, issues and opportunities on women empowerment using forest solutions. The session specifically focused on enterprise and entrepreneurship, socio-political empowerment, sustainable forest management, knowledge dissemination. The research ideas were shared on the impact of forest-based enterprises, challenges of adopting feminist approaches in the consortium, procedural and policy challenges and societal issues, and key learnings encountered during the project interventions.

Similarly, SIAS’ partners (NIMS College, ARIA Solutions, and Himalayan Bio Trade Limited (HBTL)) reflected on 18 months into the CREW Project: Interventions, Approaches, and Reflections in its 3 districts under themes like understanding barriers and constraints, enterprise development through technological and institutional innovations, capacity enhancement to amplify voices and agency, and knowledge dissemination and policy uptake.

The common issue identification and discussion for synergy building were moderated by Dr. Naya Sharma Poudel and Dr. Dil Bahadur Khatri. The majority of the discussions centered on community forest users committee dynamics, policy-level constraints, and the joint collaboration between the consortium might be groundbreaking; the need for meso-level government engagement; societal-level constraints, challenges, and barriers; reflections; open dialogue; Intersectionality within the feminist approach; integrating the productive economy and the care economy; all these for ensuring the sustainability of the forest and agri-best enterprises.

Dr. Bhim Adhikari concluded with the emphasis on the dire need for comprehensive research shifting sectoral policy into macroeconomic policy, deeper analysis of the contradictory policies that restrict the use of the resources on which they are heavily dependent, taking all these stories of learning and co-learning into the global context, exploring how people perceive the upgrading of technology in society, exploring the stories of more incorporation of the private sector, fair trade, branding, and labelling for the sustainability of enterprises—all these for ground-breaking outcomes. He emphasized that now onwards he would appreciate a common outcome of learning from both FAN and SIAS on the research reports. His words of encouragement and critical feedback have opened up the path for both projects to pave their way in a more inclusive, sustainable, and productive way, analyzing them through a feminist approach with an intersectional lens.

Data informed action to protect species in Peril 

Posted on by admin

Jalthal, a 6100 hectare block of forest, is known for its rich biodiversity. The forest is remnant of once lush and continuous forest of lowland of Nepal. The forest is gradually degrading and its rich biodiversity is gradually eroding. Dillenia indica, a rare species in Nepal, demonstrates case of biodiversity erosion in the forest associated with development during last five decades.

Locally called as Paanchfal and Thaaidith   grows into a medium sized tree used to be a common species in Jalthal forest. Our detail forest survey shows that the  species is about to vanish from the forest. We have spotted only two individual trees and they are without seedlings and saplings. Standing trees are  degraded due to lopping. Locals have not seen its flower and fruits for last two decades. The tree is multipurpose with edible fruit. Fruits are eaten raw, picked and even used in traditional medicines. Twigs are used as fodder and woody parts as firewood.

Given its situation in the forest and to protect the valuable genepool in the wild, ForestAction Nepal joined Bishal Community Forest and Division Forest Office (DFO) Jhapa to protect the species’ last individuals in the forest. Protection of standing trees coupled with awareness among forest user and provision of alternative fodders are expected to conserve the species’ valuable genepool in the forest.

This demonstrates ForestAction Nepal’s Darwin Initiative project’s   ‘data informed conservation action’.

Two-days Participatory Workshop on Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture

Posted on by admin

Forest Action Nepal, secretariat of Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF) along with Free student Union (FSU) Lamjung campus, hosted a two-day participatory workshop focused on Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture. The event, held on June 13 and 14 of 2023 aimed to promote sustainable agriculture and disseminate innovative and proportionate solutions for agriculture challenges in the region.

The workshop brought together researchers, experts, and students in the field of Agriculture. Participants engaged in lively discussions, sharing their knowledge and experiences related to agroecology and sustainable farming methods. The event was structured to foster collaboration and encourage the exchange of ideas among the attendees.

Keynote speakers at the workshop highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable practices to mitigate the negative impacts of conventional farming on the environment. They emphasized the need for promoting biodiversity, conserving natural resources, and reducing chemical inputs to ensure long term agriculture sustainability.

Throughout the two days, various topics were covered, including organic farming, permaculture, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and soil conservation strategies. Attendees actively participated in hands-on demonstrations, practical sessions, and interactive group activities to enhance their understanding of these concepts.

Additionally, the workshop featured presentations on successful case studies of agroecology implementation from different parts of the world. These success stories provided inspiration and practical insights for participants, demonstrating the positive outcomes of the sustainable agriculture practices.

The two-days participatory workshop on Agroecology and sustainable agriculture at Lamjung Campus proved to be valuable platform to exchange knowledge, networking and collaborative efforts. The event undoubtedly succeeded in sowing the seed of sustainability in compliance with the aim of the workshop.

World Environment Day 2023 celebrated

Posted on by admin

Solving environmental problems is not the responsibility of anyone alone. Togetherness in the movement obviously makes a huge difference. While “World Environment Day 2023” was globally celebrated with the campaign #beatplasticpollution, the ACIAR funded EnLiFT2 project implemented under ForestAction Nepal, along with Salle Chaubas Forest Management Committee and Sub Division Forest Office, Chaubas, organized a one-day “School Level Awareness Program” on June 5, 2023, in Setidevi Secondary School, Yakpa tole of Bhumlu-4, Kavre, Nepal. The celebration serves as a spur for collaboration and group efforts to build a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for future generations. This day was celebrated primarily to raise public awareness of the need to protect the environment by avoiding the use of plastic and instead utilizing eco-friendly alternatives. The event was chaired by Mr. Lok Bahadur Kunwar, the coordinator of Salle Chaubas Forest Management Committee, in the presence of Mr. Prem Bahadur Bhujel, chairperson of Bhumlu Rural Municipality (RM), as chief guest. Other guests, like the chief administrative officer of Bhumlu RM, the coordinator of the Forest, Environment, and Disaster Committee of Bhumlu RM, the chairperson of Bhumlu 5, the Assistant Forest Officer from Sub Division Forest Office-Chaubas, the school’s representative, FECOFUN Bhumlu, CFUG’s representatives, the Private Forest Owners Association, etc., participated in the program.

Marking the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day 2023, the events were divided into multiple sessions that centered on beating plastic pollution. The sessions were a silent rally on the importance of environmental conservation, with the participation of hundreds of students from three major schools in Bhumlu and Kavre. The rally was demonstrated, seeking to bring recognition of how plastic pollution impacts a natural environment. It was staged to bring attention to environmental issues and prompt action to prevent or address plastic pollution. The plantation program was carried out on the school premises to promote the preservation of trees, maintain a sustainable environment, and promote the greenery around the school premises.

Inter-school speech competitions and inter-school quiz competitions were conducted, in which three higher secondary schools, Bhumlu 4 and 5, participated. The main aim of these competitions was to offer the students the chance to socialize not only with classmates but with different students from other schools and learn through these interactions. Further, this competition also helped the students to observe, share their opinions, choose their words, ease oral communication, and take many actions to motivate them to fight against plastic pollution.

This event was intended to encourage fun learning methods while also enhancing general knowledge on diverse environmental-related themes. Overall, all the participants present there benefited from the diverse themes discussed in this event, making them more environmentally conscious. Two cultural dances and songs were performed by the students to promote social and cultural interaction as well as a sense of community well-being and unity. These dances were accompanied by powerful social messages and narratives. Ecofriendly alternatives like cloth banners, handmade papers, hemp bags, etc. were used throughout the program to encourage the use of green alternatives.

 

Green enterprises are empowering marginalised women and beating plastic pollution

Posted on by admin

Nepal has an illustrious reputation for its beautiful mountains, but has now been taken over by a storm of plastic pollution, which forms mountains of waste in urban spaces and creates detrimental effects on human health. Nepal generates roughly 2.7 tons of plastic waste each day; 16% of urban waste is plastic. Kathmandu alone uses 4,700,000 to 4,800,000 plastic bags daily, according to research by ICIMOD.

Indeed, plastic pollution is a global scourge: by early 2023, court cases concerning plastic pollution had been reported in more than 30 different countries. World Environment Day 2023 turns a spotlight on the problem and urges collective action to stop it.

While the world commemorates World Environment Day, the 30 rural and marginalised women entrepreneurs of three community forests involved in the project Economic Empowerment of Women Through Forest-Based Solutions have an ecofriendly alternative to the plastic crisis. It is bio cups and plates, also known as Duna Tapari in Nepali, which have been used in the country for food packaging, for time immemorial. The cups are made from naturally fallen leaves and sustainably picked from self-sustaining sources like Shorea robusta (Sal leaves).

Image source: ForestAction Nepal

The women are modernising the once-arduous, traditional occupation of making these plates, by now using low-carbon, women-friendly technologies. To achieve this, the project is empowering women entrepreneurs on gender and social inclusion issues, providing skill-based trainings, and group management training, and forming women’s leadership circles.

The women undertook an inventory of Sal leaves in their local forest area. The information was then integrated into the community forest management plan, which opens avenues for the women to establish multiple enterprises based on the non-timber forest products.

The fresh green leaves are collected manually without harming trees and dried to make lapha – a couple of leaves stitched together with bamboo pins which are then pressed by electric machine to achieve an appropriate size and finish.

This process is efficient, timesaving, reliable, hygienic, and easy to operate. What is more, using clean energy technology aligns with the goals of SDG 7, Affordable and clean energy, empowers women, bridges the gender development gap, and helps to build a new identity for rural women as those who handle electric machines.

These women entrepreneurs have left no stone unturned in exploring markets for their products. Sal products are profoundly connected with Hindu culture and have strong religious relevance. People use them in all major life events from birth to death, such as weaning ceremonies, birthdays, exhibitions, workshops, social gatherings, marriage, community feasts, ethnic celebrations, parties, and funerals.

In recent years, Sal products have become popular with hotels, restaurants, homestays, event planning organisations, international and domestic non-governmental organisations, tourist attractions, etc. Due to their renewability, non-toxicity, high socio-economic value, strength, and durability, these products have grown commercial markets in both the national urban space and international markets.

In addition, these products have multiple environmental benefits. In many aspects, this eco-product is considerably superior to plastic. Contrary to plastics that are composed of polymers, oil, and fossil fuels, which pose a serious threat to living things, its raw materials are rich in sources of various flavonoids and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, and wound healing activities . Plastic takes around 20–500 years to decompose, leaving hazardous scars on the Earth that affect generations. But these biodegradable cups are converted into manure and dissolve into the soil, creating more life through their organic manure.

This climate-smart innovation also aligns with the SDG Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production , and Goal 13: Climate action respectively. Since the overall process of preparing Sal leaf products involves manual labour and the use of renewable energy, these products emit less carbon compared to plastic. Emissions are about 6 kg of CO2 per kg of plastic .

Every sector is touched by the plastics that create massive carbon footprints. Replacing the deep-rooted plastic economy overnight in a developing country like Nepal is a herculean task, as numerous livelihoods are connected with it. But it’s critical to take one step at a time.

It’s predicted that by 2050, we’ll be making approximately four times as much plastic as we do now. And based on the current situation, the OECD predicts that by 2060, plastic trash is predicted to triple, with half of it ending up in landfills. In the era of climate crisis, behavioural shifts to eco-friendly consumption and embrace of green attitudes is urgent. There is a pressing need to have zero impact on the environment and for each person to become an eco-champion of their own.

To develop the culture and practice of green packaging use in our daily routine, a robust and comprehensive policy intervention to discourage the use of plastic is a must. Providing incentives, subsidies, and tax exemptions for eco-friendly products would be appropriate efforts by the government. Furthermore, increasing taxes on plastic products that compete heavily with the bio-products would motivate women entrepreneurs to produce bio cups and plates at a larger scale.

These bio cups and plates can be a ray of hope for a sustainable environment, supporting marginalised sections of society, especially rural women, to improve their livelihoods and become economically empowered. Next time you buy these plates, you are also supporting and rewarding the hard work of these women, who have fought countless internal and external patriarchal, wars against gender stereotypes to be entrepreneurs. It is time to accelerate this action and switch to a bio-based circular economy and reimagine a plastic-free environment.

The blog was originally published in CDKN website as a part of the gender equality in low carbon world (GLOW) program funded by IDRC Canada.

Enhancing the collaboration between farmers and journalist

Posted on by admin

ForestAction Nepal, secretariat for Alliance of Agriculture for Food, organized 2 days interaction program (May 24-25, 2023) with the journalist, media personnel’s and farmers from Chitwan and Makawanpur districts respectively at Syangdi, Chitwan. The main objective of this event was to orient the journalists on the contemporary issues of food and agroecology and also to bridge the gap between the farmers and the journalists.

During the interaction, both farmers and media personnel shared their concern about the uncertain future of agriculture and its significant impact on the national food system. Farmers also criticized about the ineffective policies and programs that pose a serious threat to their livelihood. They expressed that it is essential to consistently exert pressure on the government and bureaucracy to prioritize and protect farmers’ agendas and issues at the national level.

Similarly, journalists committed to supporting farmers in addressing the pressing issues through their media writings and coverage. Furthermore, they also placed their appreciation on the inclusion of a comprehensive agricultural context as a priority in their reporting efforts.

 

International Biodiversity day: Taking biodiversity to grassroots

Posted on by admin

International Biodiversity Day 2023 was marked with various activities in the project site of Jalthal, Jhapa. The event brought together  diverse stakeholders; from school students to the Head of local governments in multiple activities.

The event commenced on 22 May, in Jalthal, Jhapa. Head of Haldibari Rural Municipality Inaugurated the program wherein a documentary highlighting floral and faunal diversity, ecosystem, and socio-ecological significance of Jalthal remnant forest was premiered on the day. The primary objective of showcasing the video was to highlight the significance of biodiversity in Jalthal and sensitise stakeholders.   The documentary was based on the comprehensive biodiversity profiling of Jalthal forest by the Darwin Initiative  project. The documentary is available in https://www.facebook.com/JalthalBiodiversity and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhLflddbpZs

Likewise, sixteen students from eight different High schools were engaged in a poster preparation event.  Students identified ’23 Actions for Biodiversity’ in Jalthal forest. These 23 points are in congruence with 23 Targets of Global Biodiversity Framework. The students were initially oriented about the objective of the program and the content of the poster, following which they were prepared in four days period.  Based on innovative idea and excellence, the students were awarded during the event on the International Biodiversity Day. Two girls and two boys were awarded with educational materials and cash prize.

A Biodiversity Appreciation walk was organized on 21st May which brought students and teachers from five different secondary schools in the forest. During the forest walk, students were informed about the significance and features of Jalthal forest biodiversity. This was an important event to increase awareness about biodiversity.

The Jalthal project, led by ForestAction in collaboration with DARWIN Initiative, has supported in establishing and operating eco clubs in high schools. Educational materials for students (Binoculars, Birds and butterfly guidebooks, Stationaries etc.) were handed over during the ceremony on 22 May.

The project coordinator Dr. Lila Nath Sharma organized a forest transect walk on 20th and 21st May, which was aimed at introducing salient features of the forest biodiversity to nature enthusiasts and youth leaders.

Project supported in organizing Forest walk on 23rd May to celebrate International Biodiversity Day. This was attended by journalists and nature enthusiasts and local leaders including representatives of local government.

The events directly engaged and benefited over 250 people representing over forty various institutions-community forests, local governments, Division Forest Office, schools, civil society organizations, political parties  and media. These events were crucial in raising awareness on the importance of biodiversity and inform people about myriads of threats bearing upon forest biodiversity. The events were reached to thousands of people through social media and local newspapers. These events were covered by over two dozens of news outlets.

 

Policy dialogue on “Community institutions and forest-based enterprises: Prospects of transformation”

Posted on by admin
While the Government of Nepal has set the goal of achieving prosperity from forestry, the country holding 44.74% of forest area demonstrates the prospects of forest based enterprises. Along with the ambition, there are a range of challenges that have been rather discouraged in promoting community-based forest enterprises in Nepal. Community institutions are facing several challenges in the establishment and operation of forest-based enterprises. With the aim to discuss opportunities and challenges in promoting forest-based enterprises and laying out ways forward, ForestAction Nepal, in support from the Australian Government, organized a policy dialogue on “Community institutions and forest-based enterprises: Prospects of transformation” on 6th June 2023. A diverse group of actors from the government, non-government, civil society, private sector, local government among others expressed their views during the event.
Click here to download the event report

A delegation meet with Agriculture Minister to discuss forthcoming policies, programs and budget

Posted on by admin

ForestAction Nepal, the Secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), in collaboration with other partner organizations, scheduled a delegation with Agriculture Minister Dr. Bedu Ram Bhusal in 8 May 2023 to discuss the forthcoming policy, programs, and prioritizing promotion of Agro- Ecology and sustainable agricultural development in the upcoming policy and programs deliberately in the fiscal year’s Budget. Our counterparts briefly read out the report and submitted the minute to the honorable minister.

His comments show his comprehension of the issues. He voiced his concern about irrigation becoming a significant issue in agriculture and described how its enforcement can be a key factor in Nepalese agriculture. Similarly, he concentrated on the need for conducting a campaign to promote Raithane fruits that grow in forest areas, interwoven with the agriculture sector. He believed that organic and commercial production should be supported in tandem, to maximize the collective potential.

Click here to download the meeting minutes

Discussion on contemporary issues of food and agriculture with Agriculture journalists

Posted on by admin

Forest Action Nepal, Secretariat of Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF), in conjunction with Association of Nepali Agricultural Journalists (ANAJ), organized a two-day discussion session (May 5–6, 2023) at Edu Farm, Lalitpur, centered on contemporary issues of food and agriculture. The program was attended by total of 30 persons, including a group of journalists reporting and writing feature stories in the realms of agriculture, food, livestock, and forest science, accompanied by the representatives from partner organizations such as Food First Information and Action Network (FIAN) Nepal, National Farmer Group Federation (NFGF), Community Self Reliance Centre(CSRC)/National Land Right Forum (NLRF) and Centre for Agro-Ecology and Development (CAED) Nepal. The programs key objectives were to inform better and engage media personnel’s for them to comprehend AAF’s work highlighting the challenges faced by the agriculture sector along with its repercussion as well as the potential responses. Furthermore, the program also sought to create a platform to exchange knowledge and support among the stakeholders.

The following were the major issues briefly discussed during the session:

– Revision of agriculture strategy and formulation of act

– Periodic plan and annual policy, program and budget

– Foreign direct investment

– Pesticide regulation policy, standards, and regulations

– Import of synthetic chemical fertilizers and release of carbon

– Global food crisis and export ban

– Land use, land distribution and barren land

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sustainability of women’s access to forest resources is ensured

Posted on by admin

 

The case of a gender-transformative approach from Nepal

 

Turning weeds into valuable products

“I could not imagine how valuable the Thakal (Phoenix loureiroi Kunth) plant could be for rural women. Today I was surprised to see diverse, beautiful handmade products made from Thakal. Looking at the Thakal products by women of the Namuna Community Forest User Group, I realised the importance of this plant for the rural economy. ”

Those were the words of Mr Mohan Raj Kafle, the Divisional Forest Officer of Nawalparasi at a policy lab organised by the “Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions” project, recently.

The lab involved rural women entrepreneurs, the Local Government Chief and officials, private bank officials, a Chief from the Cottage and Small Industry Office, a Divisional Forest Officer from the district government, and project personnel.

Rural women in Nawalparasi district of central Nepal have succeeded in producing bags, hats, and mats from Thakal, bio-cups and plates from Sal (Shorea robusta) leaves, and brooms from broom grass. The lab provided the occasion for Mr Kafle and others to appreciate the initiative and encourage women entrepreneurs with commitments of support.

Not only was this a matter of courtesy, but also of legacy for the project. The words meant a lot for the rural women who have been using leaves, straws, twigs and Thakal-derived fibres to produce handicrafts and increase earnings from their sale.

Handicraft made from Thakal fibres

Creating the legal framework for women’s economic activities

Patient work was needed to reach this level of achievement.

Generally, these women do not face any restrictions in accessing the raw materials in the forest, as long as the products are for household use. However, once the materials are converted into products for market, the women have to meet several legal requirements.

Nepal has a community forestry system whereby registered forest user groups can harvest forest products according to approved operational plans.  The area where the women wish to harvest must have the provisions mentioned and the amount of harvest prescribed in the approved Community Forestry Operational Plan. These explicit permissions for raw material collection would be based on a proper inventory of each resource, to ensure sustainable management and harvest.

During visits to Division Forest Office, the project team discussed the policy issues. Mr Kafle suggested the project team should conduct an inventory of available non-timber forest products (here in our case, Thakal and Sal leaves) and incorporate their management and collection in the Operational Plan. This would not only be an operational issue, but would also create a legal platform for women entrepreneurs to sustainably assess the raw materials for their enterprises.

The project formed a technical team to conduct Thakal and Sal inventory and prescribe the regeneration status and annual allowable harvest in the Operational Plan. Since Thakal is rare in the country, the project consulted experts to devise an appropriate method for carrying out its inventory. The Community Forest User Group and women’s groups members were engaged in the inventory process, which increased their self-confidence and self-respect too. They shared their pride in being a part of such a technical study.

Following the inventory, the team revised the Operational Plan, and Mr Kafle approved these plans with respect. He also provided the women with encouraging words that these were very innovative efforts that he would like to expand to the rest of the Community Forest User Groups.

Women undertaking inventory activities

Transformation in local women’s status – a strong foundation for their futures

The project “Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions” tried to ensure that rural women have sustainable access to forest resources including non-timber forest products, which are often overlooked as useless grass and other fibres and are left out in the forest, causing fire hazards. The inclusion of these provisions facilitated the use of these materials to create products for sale in the market.

With the official approval from the Division Forest Office, the rural women feel respected for their own choices and decisions, feel much more responsible for conserving the forest and making the most useful application of their traditional knowledge to foster household economies.

In the complete process, besides the role of the project team, experts and the Community Forest User Group executive members, the role of the Divisional Forest Officer remained as a constructive technical advisor. His appreciation and facilitation of the women’s needs, choices and decision-making processes remain commendable.

The initiation will be upscale by the project through different means of dissemination including publication of the blog in Nepali language in a national newspaper and community FM radio. The project will promote the transformation through The Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN) – a formal network of Forest User Groups from all over Nepal. Furthermore, this experience and evidence will be shared widely in the national policy lab and dialogues to influence the authorities.

This action can be coined as a “gender transformative legacy in action” on how to ensure rural women’s sustainable access and control over minor forest products by raising women’s dignified decisions and choices for forest-based livelihoods.

The blog was originally published in CDKN website as a part of the gender equality in low carbon world (GLOW) program funded by IDRC Canada.

https://glowprogramme.org/news-blogs/sustainability-womens-access-forest-resources-ensured

Policy dialogue: Forum for discussion between the rural women entrepreneurs, policymakers and policy implementers

Posted on by admin

Effective and successful policy implementation in all sectors is the key to national development. In the forestry context, numerous favourable policies and laws address all the major aspects of this sector, but their implementation is a complex endeavour and is of pivotal concern. To address the policy and regulatory barriers by women entrepreneurs in accessing forest resources, Policy dialogues were organized by the project Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions in Tripura Sundari Rural Municipality-Sindhupalchok and Gaidakot and Devchuli Municipality in Nawalpur (E). The dialogues were organized to provide women entrepreneurs with a forum to discuss the issues and seek to enhance their understanding of the policies and their translation in practice.

The women entrepreneurs shared with enthusiasm all about their achievements and problems faced during enterprise development, specifically in the context of accessing the raw materials for enterprises, market issues, registration issues and many more. The Chief and representatives of the Local Government, Divisional Forest Office, Chief of District Small and Cottage Industry Office and Banks unpacked the existing gender-responsive service provisions, especially to address women’s practical and strategic needs. For example, women’s access to information, resources, services, employment, credit, programs, budget and other benefits meant for the advancement of women were discussed. The women entrepreneurs actively interacted with the officials for clarification and demanded simplification of the process. The officials responded positively and motivated the women entrepreneurs; the local government officials ensured that they would be thoughtful to include such programs and budgets in their upcoming annual plans. Furthermore, the other non-state actors such as representatives from the Association of Family Forest Owners- Nepal (AFFON) and Federation of Community Forest User Groups Nepal (FECOFUN) expressed the policy and practical hassles could be resolved through functional coordination between state and non-state actors.

At the end of the session, all the women entrepreneurs and stakeholders came to a consensus to develop a joint statement and actions on the policy gaps and commit to policy reform that could help them to continue their entrepreneur’s journey even after the project phases out.

Policy dialogue: Forum for discussion between the rural women entrepreneurs, policymakers and policy implementers

©2026 ForestAction Nepal. All Rights Reserved