Nepal

The MSC process in Nepal was conducted in Surkhet, Dang, and Banke districts, and resulted in three final stories selected by the committee.  

The Selection Committee’s criteria for stories included clarity of change, impact alignment with a vision, overcoming barriers, empowerment, engagement, relatability, and contextual relevance. The Selection Committee also valued stories that showed a holistic approach to transformation by addressing multiple areas like household-level change, diet, gender roles, and community development. The impact of the change on both the individual and community was important to the selection committee, as was the longevity of the change (the ability to make a difference at the 5 and 10 year marks).

The first selected story was about a woman who faced challenges due to a lack of education and financial resources but was able to obtain a loan to purchase a power tiller machine for farming. The second story was about a woman who overcame early marriage and financial difficulty to become a plant doctor, establish an agro-vet business, and provide quality education for her children. The last selected story was about a woman born with a disability in her leg who started a successful agriculture center which led to improved vegetable productivity and a balanced diet for her family.The three selected stories outlined plans for overcoming financial, skill, communication, and work related barriers, which added a practical and realistic dimension to the individuals’ empowerment. 

In contrast to other areas, stories in Nepal were more likely to highlight the importance of commercialization and formal registration for their business. Several farmers additionally referenced the open border with India causing a barrier that affects the economy and their business. Regarding GESI topics, storytellers in Nepal had a strong emphasis on empowerment and women’s leadership. With respect to environmental themes, several farmers expressed concerns about “the land becoming barren.”