In June 2024, the Chaudhary Foundation organized stakeholder consultation meetings for the “Women’s Economic Empowerment through Value Chain Development of Small-Scale Farm and Non-Farm Activities” project in Taplejung and Sankhuwasabha districts. The meetings aimed to assess the current status of the large cardamom enterprise, evaluate the impact of activities from the past five years, and identify challenges faced by MSMEs and women’s groups in allo and large cardamom production. Transparency and accountability were emphasized throughout the project planning and implementation.
The consultations began on June 4, 2024, in Birtamod, Jhapa, with 23 members of FLCEN discussing large cardamom enterprises, export mechanisms, and related challenges. Additional sessions were held on June 5 and 7 in Taplejung and Sankhuwasabha, engaging NGOs, CSOs, microfinances, women’s groups, and cooperatives. The meetings had significant participation, with 15 NGOs/CSOs members and 45 beneficiaries in Taplejung and 27 NGOs/CSOs members and 28 beneficiaries in Sankhuwasabha.

Detailed value chain mapping exercises were conducted for Allo, Large Cardamom, and Dhaka products. These exercises sought to understand the actors, influencing factors, and the current status of these products within their respective value chains.
Participants: 3 value chains, 3 business plan prepared

Efforts were made to collect MSMEs data from local-level governments, ensuring agranular understanding of the diverse MSME landscape in the targeted regions.
Location: Nawalpur, Kaski, Gorkha and Tehrathum districts
Participants: 1642 MSMEs data collected for the baseline of the WEAVE Project

Critical consultation meetings were facilitated between local-level government officials, government representatives, NGOs, cooperatives, women groups, entrepreneurs, and producer groups. These sessions focused on delving into the status of MSMEs, fostering collaborative efforts, and creating a conducive environment for MSME growth.
Partner: World Bank
Location: Nawalpur- Harkapur, Kaski-Pokhara, Terhathum- Myanglung, Sunsari- Inaruwa
Reach: 229 stakeholders from GON, NGOs, Cooperatives, entrepreneurs, producer groups, government officials and media were participants

Engaged stakeholders from eight districts to discuss MSME challenges, opportunities, and the role of government and non-government actors in strengthening value chains and enterprise ecosystems.
Location: Gandaki Province (Nawalpur, Kaski, Lamjung, Gorkha), Koshi Province (Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Ilam, Sunsari)
Reach: 589 participants

A crucial aspect of the study was its primary goal to comprehend the current status of the Tharu community in Gandaki province. The examination delved into their livelihood practices and traditional skills, intricately connecting them with the community’s needs for economic upliftment.

Participants: 17 households, 3 focus group discussions, KII with ward chairpersons, local officials, homestay members
Location: Kawasoti & Gaindakot, Nawalpur

A series of stakeholder consultation programs were conducted across eight districts in two provinces. These consultations aimed at understanding the current status of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), value chain development, and the role of governmental, non-governmental, and other organizations in enhancing the MSME sector.

Location: Gandaki Province- Nawalpur, Kaski, Lamjung and Gorkha, Koshi Province- Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Ilam, Sunsari
Participants: 589 stakeholders from GON, NGOs, Cooperatives, entrepreneurs, producer groups, government officials and media were participants

A study conducted to understand the essence of the craft and livelihood ecosystem around Unnati Cultural Village and Gorkha. It aimed to identify the challenges and potential of MSMEs for enhancing empowerment, income generation, and innovation in the sector.

Location: Nawalpur & Gorkha
Reach: Women groups, FNCSI, Cooperatives, CTEVT, Homestay members, local craft organizations