Rabina Chaudhay, a 32-year-old resident of Rajapur Municipality, Ward No. 6, Mahadeuli, lives in a joint family of seven members. She and her family primarily rely on agriculture, with male members migrating seasonally for work and females engaging in wage labor. Their diet was previously dominated by cereals, lacking in nutritional diversity.
In September 2023, Rabina joined the Pragatishil home garden group under the NLRP-II program implemented by Caritas Nepal. The group, consisting of 26 female members, focuses on enhancing nutrition and livelihoods. As a group member, Rabina received comprehensive training in homestead management, climate change, and nutrition. Recognizing her potential, she was selected as a lead farmer to establish a kitchen garden demonstration in her community. The project provided essential resources such as seasonal seeds, materials for a poly house, irrigation equipment, dual-purpose poultry birds, and fruit plants.
Rabina developed an 800 sq. m nutrition garden, focusing on cucurbits, and participated in activities such as vegetable nursery preparation, preparing liquid and bokashi fertilizers through Farmer Field Schools (FFS). The garden yielded 620 kg of vegetables, including bitter gourd, bottle gourd, beans, and leafy vegetables. Her family consumed 340 kg and earned NPR 12,600 from selling the surplus, significantly enhancing their dietary diversity and income.
The poultry birds now lay eggs (around 3-4 eggs per week), ensuring nutritious food for the children and Rabina, which is especially crucial during her pregnancy. Additionally, as part of the NLRP II project, each homestead group now includes a female community health volunteer (FCHV) whenever possible. This initiative ensures that Rabina and others receive health and nutrition information during monthly meetings from the FCHV- Rita Chaudhary. Moreover, the group has been linked with local cooperatives for saving and credit.
The family now enjoys a balanced diet of vegetables and eggs, improving health outcomes, crucial for Rabina’s pregnancy and the child’s early development. Moreover, the garden has become a sustainable source of income, empowering Rabina and her family economically. They plan to expand vegetable cultivation to 5 Kattha, maximizing their homestead land’s potential.
Rabina expresses her gratitude: “The training and material support have significantly helped my family adopt healthier eating habits. I am thankful to Caritas Nepal for providing me with the opportunity to earn income and become self-sufficient.”
Through enhanced nutrition knowledge, practical training, and material support, Rabina not only diversified her family’s diet but also generated income sustainably. This case study underscores the crucial role of community-based interventions in promoting nutrition and empowering women like Rabina to lead positive changes in their households and communities.
