POSTED ON APRIL 6, 2026
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A Kick-off Meeting for the project “Women Smallholders and Civil Society Actors of Nepal’s Western Mountain Regions for a Resilient Local Food System (EMPOWER)” was successfully held on April 1st, 2026, in Budhinanda Municipality, Bajura.  

The project is funded by BMZ /WHH and is being implemented by LI-BIRD in collaboration with FWEAN and KCDC in Budhinanda Municipality of Bajura District and Khaytad Rural Municipality of Mugu District. The 42-month EMPOWER project aims to strengthen a resilient and sustainable local food system by empowering smallholder women farmers, marginalised communities, and civil society actors in Nepal’s western mountain regions. 

The main objective of the meeting was to orient key stakeholders on the project objectives, implementation approach, activities, and project coverage areas. The event was chaired by the Mayor of Budhinanda Municipality, Mr. Janak Kumar Bohora, and attended by ward leaders from all 10 wards, along with representatives from various district and municipal stakeholders. A total of 44 participants were present in the meeting. 

During the discussion, participants shared their expectations, roles, and commitments, expressing a strong commitment to coordination, collaboration, and support for effective and successful implementation of the project in the coming years. 

LI-BIRD would like to express gratitude to all the attendees for their active participation, valuable inputs, and commitment to strengthening resilient local food systems and improving the livelihoods of smallholder women farmers and marginalised communities.