Local Livelihoods Program (LLP) Phased Out

Local Livelihoods Program (LLP) supported by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) phased out after three years of implementation (July 2006 to June 2009). The program mobilized and worked with 234 farmer groups covering 5121 HHs in five districts; namely, Surkhet, Dailekh Salyan,Jajarkot and Kalikot. The overall goal of LLP was to contribute to sustainable rural poverty reduction in Nepal by piloting the north – south corridor development approach. The purpose of the program was to contribute to improved, sustainable local livelihoods of 5,000 rural poor and disadvantaged families, including marginal farmers, landless families, women headed households and internally displaced persons located within 2-3 hours of walking distance from the road heads along the Surkhet- Jumla dn Chhinchu ( Surkhet)- Jajarkot road corridors.

LLP has demonstrated that the livelihoods of the poor and disadvantaged families can be significantly improved by selecting appropriate income generating enterprises. As a result of LLP implementation, famers have undertaken commercial cultivation of vegetables. Spices, spring maize and mushroom as part of their livelihood improvement strategy. Some households, particularly the marginal farmers and landless households, have undertaken livestock farming, depending on market access and market demand.

During the project period, LLP promoted 13 cooperatives, two weekly hatbazar committees, and constructed 44 micro irrigation schemes, five community goats’ sheds and one community pig sheds, seven collection centers, two hatbazars and five cooperative buildings.

The project generated employment opportunities for the poor and has reduced migration to India. Due to increased income, some farmers could purchase additional land and build new houses. Enhancement of food security status of the beneficiaries is also noticed. The average incremental income of the participating households is estimated at Rs. 14,084. LLP has successfully demonstrated the potential of corridor development approach and has created a base for the government to launch investment program using this approach.