World Bank Grants $20 Million to Boost Food and Nutrition Security in Nepal
The World Bank has given its approval for a $20 million grant to support the Food and Nutrition Security Enhancement Project (FANSEP)-II in Nepal. The project’s main objective is to improve agricultural productivity, nutrition practices, and climate-smart agriculture in rural areas of the country. By targeting more than 55,000 small-holder farmers across 16 municipalities, the project aims to enhance food and nutrition security while also reducing poverty.
The grant is part of Nepal’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and addressing the issue of hunger. According to Faris Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, this operation aligns with the government’s national goals and efforts to enhance productivity and livelihoods, particularly for marginalized communities.
The Food and Nutrition Security Enhancement Project (FANSEP)-II consists of three components: climate and nutrition smart agricultural technology adaptation and dissemination, income generation and diversification, and improving nutrition security. The project will build upon the success of the previous Food and Nutrition Security Enhancement Project, which concludes on June 30, 2024.
Funded by the Global Agriculture Food Security Program (GAFSP) Trust Fund, the grant will contribute to Nepal’s green, resilient, and inclusive development agenda. It aims to strengthen the resilience of food-insecure and disaster-affected communities in Nepal.
Karishma Wasti, the World Bank’s Project Task Team Leader, emphasized the importance of this operation in supporting Nepal’s development agenda. By focusing on climate-smart agricultural practices and improving nutrition security, this project will have a positive impact on marginalized communities in Nepal’s rural areas.
The World Bank’s support for this project underscores the organization’s commitment to poverty reduction and sustainable development. By targeting small-holder farmers and addressing food and nutrition security, this grant will help improve the lives and well-being of communities across Nepal.
Overall, the approved grant from the World Bank sends a strong signal of support to Nepal and its ongoing efforts to achieve its development goals. With a focus on enhancing agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and nutrition security, the project will contribute to building a more resilient and inclusive future for Nepal’s marginalized communities.
