The establishment of the Community Learning Centre in Dimmerpani did far more than just provide technical training; it empowered women to take control of their futures, their farms and their community
In the rural village of Dimmerpani, in Bajura district, far north-western Nepal, 'climate change' is not a buzzword or a far-off issue – it's a daily reality, especially for the women, who are working to sustain farming as many men migrate from the area for seasonal labour, effectively reshaping the social and economic fabric of the landscape.
Janabikash Mahila Krishak Samuha is the name of the women-led farmer group in Dimmerpani, whose 26 members are leading the charge to confront challenges such as erratic rainfall, soil degradation and water scarcity – all exacerbated by climate change. With limited economic opportunities and many men leaving in search of work, the women skilfully balance household responsibilities with farm operations, often under resource-scarce and climate-stressed conditions.
To combat these challenges, sustaining agriculture goes beyond meeting subsistence needs; it is about preserving and improving the community's traditional practice of farming. This underscores an urgent need for support structures that are deeply integrated into the community's realities. These structures must go beyond the typical financial or technical assistance provided by governments and development agencies, which often results in a transactional approach to development.
Instead, they should adopt a transformative approach – one that actively engages farmers, particularly women, in co-developing localised, affordable and practical solutions. Farmers should not only receive tools and resources but also be empowered to experiment, adapt and innovate on their own. To achieve this, governments, NGOs and other stakeholders must prioritise knowledge sharing and skill-building, fostering confidence and agency among farmers. By working in collaboration with the community, these stakeholders can ensure that solutions are both sustainable and rooted in the farmers' lived experiences.
Climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) brings solutions directly to farmers' doorsteps, establishing the foundation for more adaptable, resilient food systems that can withstand the uncertainties of a changing climate.
CRA is based on simple, affordable, nature-based solutions, with practices that include the use of water-efficient drip irrigation, plastic tunnels, soil cement tanks, natural, biological pest control and biofertilisers such as 'Vermiwash', and tricho-compost (a specialised compost enriched with beneficial Trichoderma fungi).
Community Learning Centres (CLCs) embody this approach by serving as vital hubs where CRA technologies are tested and demonstrated. Acting as a bridge between farmers and researchers, CLCs enable communities to identify and adopt solutions that are best suited to their specific conditions. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership among farmers, ensuring that the innovations are not only sustainable but also deeply rooted in the needs and practices of the community.
Registered in 2012, the Janabikash Mahila Krishak Samuha group of 26 women initially struggled with subsistence farming, limited awareness and market challenges. However, the establishment of a CLC in 2022 marked a turning point, transforming their approach to farming.
The journey began with consultations involving local government, agricultural technicians and NGOs to select an accessible site. A feasibility study ensured the location was suitable for showcasing CRA practices, such as bio-fertilisers and water management systems. Farmers then attended orientation sessions to build their knowledge and take on leadership roles in demonstrating these practices. Using participatory tools like climate impact analysis and technology development, the community co-designed practical, localised solutions.
Once the farmers had seen with their own eyes that such practices were successful, over 100 farmers beyond the immediate community decided to take them up. Group members then provided training to communities outside their village, creating a ripple effect of knowledge transfer across Budhinanda Municipality. The CLC has now become a dynamic hub for community engagement and knowledge exchange.
The CLC is also emerging as a space for 'action research', where farmers and researchers work together to test and demonstrate climate-resilient technologies. They co-develop solutions that are practical and sustainable for the local context.
The journey of the women in Dimmerpani vividly demonstrates the transformative power of community learning. The establishment of the CLC did far more than just provide technical training; it empowered women to take control of their futures, their farms and their community.
The CLC approach is becoming a model for other villages, showcasing the impact of community-driven agricultural learning. Recognising its success, the local government, Himali Rural Municipality and Agriculture Knowledge Centre (AKC) in Bajura have replicated the concept of CLC approach in their annual plans. The achievements in Dimmerpani should serve as an urgent call to prioritise women-focused, community-led models in climate and agricultural policy. By fostering local solutions, these models respect the unique needs and strengths of each community and amplify the often-overlooked contributions of women.
Scaling up the CLC model across similar rural communities can offer a way for sustainable development that balances tradition with innovation. The women of Dimmerpani have shown that true empowerment lies in leading, innovating and inspiring others. To build a resilient future, we must enable more communities to follow in their footsteps, amplifying their voices and entrusting them with the tools to drive meaningful change.
Basnet and Bhatta are with ICIMOD
