The U.S. Government launched a five-year Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) to boost agricultural productivity and improve nutrition in Nepal, in partnership with Nepal’s Ministry of Agricultural Development and Ministry of Health. The strategy builds on the U.S. Government’s ongoing Feed the Future initiative and will support the Government of Nepal’s Agriculture Development Strategy and Multi-sector Nutrition Plan. Nepal is one of only 12 countries worldwide selected by the U.S. Government to implement this strategy.
Over the past five years, the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future initiative in Nepal helped an estimated one million Nepalis increase income through improved agricultural productivity and enhanced nutrition. As a result, poverty dropped by 36 percent between 2013 and 2015, stunting decreased from 49 percent to 36 percent from 2006 to 2016 and average farmer sales increased from $250 per year to an estimated $700 per year in the 24 south-western and central districts where the U.S. program has been implemented.
“The new strategy emphasizes investments throughout the agriculture value chain to better connect producers to markets, which will improve access to safe, high-quality food and generate income and job opportunities, particularly among youth,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Michael C. Gonzales.
According to a press release issued by U.S. Embassy in Nepal, over the next five years, the GFSS will forge new partnerships and greater collaboration among government, donors, businesses, and civil society to accelerate growth and employment in Nepal’s agriculture sector while enhancing nutrition.