Seeds of Resilience: How Community Learning Centres Are Transforming Climate-Resilient Farming in Halesi

Author: Rajendra Dhakal and Neha Thapa

Empowering farmers through low-cost, climate-smart solutions, CEAPRED’s and ICIMOD’s Community Learning Centres in Halesi are transforming agriculture—one innovation at a time—driven by local ownership, practical learning, and visible, lasting impact.

Climate Resilience Starts at the Community Level

Under the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP), the Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED) in collaboration with International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is collaborating with Halesi Rural Municipality to promote inclusive, low-cost, climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) technologies. Central to this effort is the establishment of Community Learning Centres (CLCs), farmer-led hubs that demonstrate and promote sustainable farming practices adapted to local conditions. These centres offer hands-on learning opportunities and foster farmer-to-farmer exchange. To date, more than 20 proven CRA technologies have been demonstrated, with strong farmer adoption and growing interest from local authorities.

Affordable Innovation in Action

The CLC model thrives on simplicity, affordability, and participation. Among the technologies demonstrated are jholmal (organic liquid fertilizer), mulching, drip irrigation, vermicomposting, elevated nursery, and biological pest management. These techniques are not only cost-effective but also accessible to smallholders, including women and marginalized groups.

Surkra Maya Rai, Local farmer from Halesi, said, “With the elevated nursery, my seedlings stayed safe from floods and rain. They grew healthier, and I finally got strong, disease-free plants for my farm.”

Picture 1: Sukra Maya Rai a framers from Halesi rural municipality transplanting vegetable seedling.

Community Resource Persons Leading the Change

The success of the CLCs is also due to the active role of local resource persons, many of whom are women. These trained facilitators support peer learning and demonstrate technologies in a practical and easy-to-replicate manner. Shova Rai, one such resource person, reflected, “I learn new and innovative farming practices every day at the CLC. I also share them with other farmers. Almost half the group has adopted at least one solution because it’s low-cost and easy to replicate.” Their leadership is helping expand adoption and build confidence among community members.

Local Government Ownership and Replication

Inspired by the model’s success, the Mayor of Halesi Rural Municipality is now replicating the approach at two additional sites using local resources.

Bimala Rai, Mayor Halesi rural municipality remarked, “Establishing a Community Learning Centre is very affordable. It’s a practical platform for farmers to learn and adopt climate-resilient technologies. We are replicating the CLC model at two additional sites ourselves because of its impact.” This kind of political will and local investment signals the model’s scalability and long-term sustainability.

Picture 2: Bimala Rai, Mayor Halesi Rural municipality happy after seeing the cabbage production in the CLC

Why the CLC Model Works

The CLC approach is proving effective for several reasons. It is a low-cost solution that relies on locally available materials and knowledge. It creates space for farmers to experiment, ask questions, and witness results first-hand. The participatory learning process builds trust and encourages faster adoption. Importantly, it is inclusive, ensuring meaningful involvement of women and marginalized farmers in both learning and leadership roles. As seen in Halesi, this model empowers communities to take control of their agricultural future with minimal external input.

Early Impact and Future Potential

Initial outcomes from Halesi are highly encouraging. Over 50% of farmers involved in the CLC have adopted at least one demonstrated practice. Local ownership is growing, and community interest is substantial. These early signs suggest that CLCs can be effectively integrated into local development plans, serving as platforms for ongoing innovation and capacity building. Lessons from Halesi are now being documented to inform replication in other municipalities across Nepal and the wider Hindu Kush Himalayan region.

Planting the Future of Resilient Farming

CLC model, under the HI-REAP project, is more than a training platform, it is a transformative, community-led approach to agricultural resilience. By focusing on affordability, inclusiveness, and evidence-based learning, it creates opportunities for farmers to adopt practices that not only improve yields but also protect soil health, biodiversity, and livelihoods in the face of climate change. The story of Halesi is a powerful example of what is possible when innovation meets local ownership. As the CLC model takes root across more communities, it is helping farmers sow the seeds of a more resilient, sustainable, and self-reliant future, one learning centre at a time.