Research Articles
Developing community-based farm and forest-based enterprises in Nepal
Author: Bhishma P. Subedi, Sudarshan C. Khanal and Puspa L. Ghimire
Publisher: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations & International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
Language: English
Date of Publication: February 2018
ISBN: 978-92-5-130394-8
Number of Pages: 17
Price: Free
Nepal is rich in biological and cultural diversity, including many natural resources on which rural communities rely. Yet despite this, Nepal is one of the world’s poorest countries. Since the early 1990s, the Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (ANSAB) in Nepal realized that the conservation and sustainable use of bio-resources had great potential to address the livelihood needs of small farmers. In this article, the authors explore how business incubation can stimulate the growth and sustainability of locally controlled farm and forest-based enterprises. They advocate for developing holistic programs which address specific needs and gaps, such as identifying value chains with business potential and providing technical support, leadership and initial support from government and development organizations, and delegating responsibility and ownership to local communities.