Women shaping Koshi’s agricultural economy

Women shaping Koshi's agricultural economy

This change has been made possible with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC-funded project, Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme Phase II (NAMDP), also known as Sahaj.

This visual case developed by the project captures the journey of these women from struggle to leadership and showcases how investing in women in agriculture drives both social impact and business value.

Flipbook

The impact of the project at a glance

• 1,780+ full-time equivalent jobs created in the local economy, 34% of these jobs held by women
• CHF 8 million invested in strengthening the agricultural market system: CHF 5 million mobilised as loans to local enterprises, 37% of these loans accessed by women-led businesses

"Men are indispensable to our company, but if a woman is equally qualified for a role, I will hire her. Every single time."

Prakriti Gautam, Co-founder, Khetipati Organics Dhankuta.

Khetipati organics employes over 30 locals and works to reduce food loss and create sustainable livelihoods through their specialised dehydrated fruits and vegetable products.

"Financial empowerment for women is crucial. Through this initiative, over 13 women have gained jobs and independence, no longer relying on their husbands for money."

Bishnu Maya Khawas, Deputy Mayor, Rong Rural Municipality

The deputy mayor of Rong takes pride in supporting the local women of the municipality to establish "Rong Grundruk" (meaning fermented vegetables leaves) as a recognised product in the local market.

For companies seeking to build inclusive supply chains, climate-aligned portfolios, and purposeful CSR/ESG investments, these stories offer real pathways to partnership. NAMDP was implemented between 2020 and 2025 by a consortium of Swisscontact as the lead agency and The Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED).