KATHMANDU, JULY 15
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu and the United Nations Development Programme in Nepal have signed an $8.2 million partnership agreement to enhance food and nutrition security in eleven local governments of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
The new project, titled 'Energy to Food', aims to promote renewable energy solutions to support the agriculture-value chain, particularly for indigenous crop varieties, through mechanisation, conservation farming practices, and capacity building of farmers.
Kristine Hauge Storholt, Chargé d'affaires and Deputy Head of Mission from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, and Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labé, Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal, yesterday signed the agreement to receive Norwegian support for project implementation until 2027. Under the agreement, Norway has provided 75 million Norwegian Kroner (equivalent to $6.97 million) to UNDP, while UNDP will contribute an additional $0.9 million for project execution. The project aims to help over 150,000 people gain access to renewable and clean energy solutions for improved food security, aligning with UNDP's Global Strategy to alleviate multidimensional poverty.
Addressing the signing ceremony, Medagangoda-Labé thanked the Norwegian Government for the trust and continuous support in promoting integrated development solutions for Nepal. She said, "Energy, food and climate are very much interconnected. Food systems are indispensable for our survival, yet responsible for more than 35 per cent GHG emissions, use freshwater abundantly and induce biodiversity losses. So, the purpose of this partnership is to engage with men and women equally, use research, indigenous knowledge, practices, technology and behaviours that promote transformation in the current and future food systems.
To this end, we will be working with the Government of Nepal, including the provincial and local government, partners and other UN agencies in selected localities. The project will help Nepal accelerate the achievement of several sustainable development goals in an integrated manner."
Storholt said, "We are pleased to collaborate with UNDP Nepal to strengthen food systems, which aligns with Norway's global strategy to reduce food insecurity. Involving other UN agencies and key partners in this project is a significant initiative contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals."
The project will enhance the use of reliable and affordable energy solutions for production, irrigation, processing, storing, packaging, and marketing of locally grown farm products. It will also support the establishment of dedicated funds at the local level to assist farmers in adopting modern technology for production and processing.
The project will collaborate with local and provincial governments, cooperatives, traders, and service providers to enhance their knowledge of modern technology in food production and sustainable food system management through capacity building.
The extensive use of energy-based and climate-smart technology will help reduce production costs and increase local food supply, thereby supporting the economic empowerment of women and marginalised groups through job creation and contribution to the environment.
A version of this article appears in the print on July 16, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
