MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

It is with great pride and gratitude that I present this annual report outlining our achievements under the project titled “Improving Quality of Life and Sustainable Development” in Banke and Bardiya districts.

This year, WACD has continued its mission to empower marginalized communities—particularly Tharu indigenous communities, marginalized vulnerable groups, ex-Kamaiya families, women, and children—through a comprehensive approach focused on sustainable livelihoods, health, education, and social inclusion. From establishing Model Villages, promoting high-value agriculture and micro-enterprises, to preserving indigenous skills and improving community health awareness, each intervention reflects our commitment to building resilient and self-reliant communities.

These achievements were made possible through the collective efforts of our dedicated team, community partners, and stakeholders at every level. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Community Partners International (CPI) and all local government bodies for their unwavering support and collaboration.

As we move forward, WACD remains committed to deepening our impact, uplifting the most vulnerable, and advocating for inclu“Improving Quality of Life and SustainableDevelopment”

With sincere appreciation,
Tilak Ram Tharu
President
Women and Child Development (WACD)

Background of the organization

Woman and Child Development Organization (WACD) is a non-governmental organization established in 2007 and officially registered with the District Administration Office, Banke. Originating as a grassroots social movement, WACD is committed to combating exploitation, discrimination, and deprivation faced by women, children, and disadvantaged, marginalized, and vulnerable communities. The organization works through a multifaceted approach that includes human rights protection, education, mass communication, social mobilization, and community development. Its overarching goal is to uplift the livelihood of women, children, and other vulnerable groups across the Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim Provinces of Nepal—regions often marked by chronic poverty and inequality.

Currently, WACD is actively implementing its programs in Banke and Bardiya Districts, focusing on inclusive and sustainable development for communities in need.

WACD operates with a unique and inclusive governance structure, led by a committed board committee. The organization adopts a participatory and decentralized approach in all aspects of planning and implementation. Activities are designed and executed in collaboration with civil society representatives, women’s groups, and youth clubs—who are empowered to develop their own operational rules, ensuring community ownership and program effectiveness.

Board committee members of WACD are actively engaged in program implementation, contributing to transparency, accountability, and the promotion of good governance across all levels of the organization.

Project Introduction

Improve Quality of Life and Sustainable Development (IQLSD) Project implemented by Women and Child Development Organization (WACD) Nepal, is designed to enhance the livelihoods, economic well-being, and overall quality of life of marginalized and vulnerable communities in Banke and Bardiya districts. The project primarily supports women, children, and disadvantaged households by providing skill development, income-generation opportunities, and community-based interventions that promote self-reliance and sustainability.

A key focus of the project is the development of Model Villages in Baijnath Rural Municipality, Ward No. 3 (Govind Tole), Banke, and Barbardiya Municipality, Ward No. 10 (Baida Dashgharwa), Bardiya. These villages are envisioned as exemplary communities demonstrating integrated development in economic growth, social inclusion, health, education, sanitation, and good governance. The Model Village approach serves as a sustainable model for rural development, attracting interest from local authorities, researchers, and visitors.

The project has delivered practical interventions such as pickle-making training, vegetable grading and packaging, and integrated fish pond farming, directly benefiting 97 participants (11 males and 86 females) and indirectly improving the livelihoods of hundreds of households. By combining technical skill-building with market linkages and community mobilization, the project fosters ownership, strengthens resilience, and ensures long-term impact. WACD’s commitment to transparency, participatory governance, and inclusive development ensures that these initiatives are sustainable and scalable, contributing to the creation of resilient, self-reliant, and empowered communities.

Executive Summary

The IQLSD project, implemented by WACD Nepal, aims to improve the livelihoods, economic stability, and overall quality of life of marginalized and vulnerable communities in Banke and Bardiya districts. The project targets women, children, and disadvantaged households, providing practical skill-building, income-generation opportunities, and community-driven interventions to promote self-reliance and sustainable development.

During the reporting period, the project directly benefited 97 participants (11 males and 86 females) through targeted activities including pickle-making training, vegetable grading and packaging, and integrated fish pond farming. These interventions not only enhanced technical skills but also strengthened market linkages and income opportunities, enabling beneficiaries to generate immediate and sustainable economic benefits. The project also advanced the development of Model Villages in Baijnath Rural Municipality (Ward 3, Govind Tole) and Barbardiya Municipality (Ward 10, Baida Dashgharwa), which serve as exemplary communities demonstrating integrated social, economic, and environmental development.

The success of the project is built on strong community participation, inclusive governance, and collaboration with local leaders and technical experts. WACD’s transparent financial and administrative systems, participatory monitoring, and follow-up support have ensured accountability and sustainability. The project has strengthened community ownership, improved livelihoods, and created replicable models for rural development, setting the stage for continued growth and long-term impact in the region.

Key Activity Highlights and Impact Areas

A. Women’s Economic Empowerment & Income Generation

16 women established a functioning pickle micro-enterprise after a 7-day practical training.
Women successfully produced 6–7 varieties of pickles and sold products immediately after training.
Income generated: NPR 8,250 from initial sales, with continued production and market expansion.
Local institutions (Ward Office and Community Forest User Group) committed to market linkage, transport support, and product purchase, ensuring sustainability.

B. Improved Agricultural Value Chains & Food Handling

65 farmers (61 women) trained in vegetable grading, packaging, and storage in Banke and Bardiya.
Farmers adopted improved harvesting techniques, reducing post-harvest losses.
Participants now grade vegetables by size and quality, enabling better market prices in both seasonal and off-season markets.
Introduction of low-cost storage techniques improved shelf life and food safety.
Household incomes increased through improved market access, reduced wastage, and enhanced negotiation capacity with traders.

C. Sustainable Livelihoods through Integrated Fish Farming

16 community members trained on integrated fish pond farming using a 4-hectare natural pond.
Knowledge gained on pond construction, sanitation, feeding, disease prevention, and species layering.
Integration of banana, chilli, and moringa cultivation around pond areas promoted diversified income and nutrition.
Expected to support 122 households directly and 635 people indirectly.

D. Community Health, Nutrition & Environmental Awareness

Increased awareness of nutritional benefits of fish and moringa, contributing to improved household diets.
Hygiene and food safety practices integrated into pickle production and vegetable handling.
Model Village concept strengthened sanitation, home gardening, and collective responsibility.

Project Accomplishments

1. Develop Model Village-2 Model Village (Banke and Bardiya District)

WACD’s Model Village initiative aims to unite people from diverse backgrounds and improve the overall quality of life. The first Model Village will be developed in Baijanath Village Municipality Ward 3 (Govind Tole), Banke, followed by Surahawa Village Municipality Ward 5 (Badhaiya) and Barbardiya Municipality Ward 10, Badrinath goal is to make these villages exemplary in economic growth, social development, health, sanitation, education, and overall well-being—serving as leading models in Mid-Western Nepal and Asia. Once developed, the villages will attract visitors, researchers, and learners from Nepal and abroad.

The Model Village will be built through integrated programs, including women and men empowerment, economic development, climate justice, community and reproductive health, sanitation, nutrition, and good governance.

1.1: Pickle-making training, micro industry established, and support sealing machine in the Banke District:

WACD conducted a 7-day intensive pickle-making training for 16 women farmers from the Pragatishil Women Development Farmers Group in Baijanath Rural Municipality, Ward No. 3, Banke. The training aimed to strengthen women’s technical skills and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities through small-scale food processing enterprises.

Participants learned to produce six varieties of pickles and collectively prepared 85 cans during practical sessions. With strong support from local leaders, including commitments for product purchase and transportation, the women were able to access nearby markets. Immediately after the training, the group sold 55 cans, generating NPR 8,250 (USD 61), demonstrating the strong market potential of their products.

Following the training, the group has continued collective production and sales within local and neighboring markets, reflecting the sustainability and scalability of the initiative. The program significantly improved participants’ technical capacity, confidence, hygiene practices, and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to independently manage and expand their micro-enterprise. This activity has contributed to women’s economic empowerment and strengthened community-based income generation in the target area.

1.2 Vegetable Grading, Packaging, and Storage Training (Banke and Bardiya)

WACD organized two 2-day trainings on vegetable grading, packaging, and storage in Banke and Bardiya districts, benefiting a total of 65 farmers (61 women and 4 men). The sessions were conducted for women-led farmer groups in Barbardiya Municipality, Ward No. 10, Bardiya, and Baijanath Rural Municipality, Ward No. 3, Banke, in September 2025.

Facilitated by technical experts from the respective local governments, the trainings aimed to strengthen farmers’ capacity to improve product quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance market competitiveness. Participants gained practical skills in proper grading, packaging, and long-term storage techniques, enabling them to secure better prices during both peak and off-season periods.

This intervention contributed to improved market access, increased income potential, and strengthened commercialization of smallholder farming, particularly for women farmers, supporting sustainable livelihoods in the target communities.

1.3 Training on Integrated Fish Pond Farming – Bardiya

A three-day practical training on integrated fish pond farming was conducted from November 23 to 25, 2025, in Barbardiya Municipality, Ward No. 10, Bardiya. The training equipped 16 community members (7 men and 9 women) with essential knowledge and skills in pond construction, sanitation, feeding practices, and sustainable fish farming techniques to effectively manage a 4-hectare natural pond.

Participants were also trained in integrating high-value crops such as banana, chilli, and moringa around the pond area to diversify production and maximize land use. This integrated approach promotes both food security and income generation.

The initiative is expected to directly benefit 122 households and indirectly support 635 community members by establishing a sustainable source of livelihood through fish farming and complementary agriculture. In addition, the training encouraged the responsible use of community forest resources, balancing income generation with environmental conservation.

The program also enhanced awareness of the nutritional and economic value of moringa and other crops, contributing to improved household nutrition and increased access to local market opportunities.

Impact of the project:

The project strengthened livelihood opportunities, especially for women farmers, through skill development and practical enterprise support.
Income generation, local market engagement, and sustainable practices have been established.
Enhanced capacity in vegetable handling, grading, and packaging supports improved market access and better profitability.
Strong engagement of local leaders and technical experts ensures ongoing support, sustainability, and potential for scaling these initiatives in the target communities.
The local governance bodies (Rural/Municipality) and surrounding village communities recognize the area as the target Model Village

Learnings from the project:

Hands-on training combined with market support creates sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Engagement of local leaders, technical experts, and community support strengthens project outcomes.
Continuous capacity building, follow-up, and guidance are essential for long-term success in income-generating and agricultural activities.