Norway, UNDP to support in food security in Karnali

 Kathmandu, July 14

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nepal have signed an $8.2 million (Rs. 1.07 billion as per Friday's exchange rate) 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 for farmers, read a joint statement issued by the partners.

Kristine Hauge Storholt, Chargé d'affaires a.i and Deputy Head of Mission from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu, and Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labé, Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal, signed the agreement to receive Norwegian support for the project implementation until 2027 on Friday.

As per 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," read the statement.

According to Medagangoda-Labé, 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 the selected localities. The project will help Nepal accelerate the achievement of several sustainable development goals in an integrated manner,” she said.

Likewise, Storholt said, "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. Nepal is categorised as a 'low-income food-deficit country' and ranks 73^rd out of 117 food-importing nations in terms of food security by the Global Hunger Report. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 July 2023.