The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu and the UN Development Programme in Nepal have signed an agreement for additional funding of NOK 28,123,221 (USD 2.67 Mil.) to support resilient recovery and upscaling of sustainable energy solutions in five earthquake-affected locations in West Rukum and Jajarkot. Through Energy for Food / Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) Project, this initiative will promote sustainable energy solutions for agri-based productive use in early recovery efforts.

Her Excellency Torun Dramdal, Ambassador of The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu and Ms. Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labe, Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Under the agreement, the project will support proposed early recovery interventions in five local governments in Rukum West and Jajarkot affected by the Jajarkot earthquake. This will include technical support and financing for agriculture technology to help farmer groups, women’s groups, and youth commercialize indigenous crops through result-based financing and enhanced value chain support.

In partnership with World Food Programme (WFP), the project will ensure a reliable supply of renewable energy services by energy service providers to promote energy solutions in the community and in schools to support school feeding programs, including technical support for developing local grid systems. The interventions will further upscale conservation farming practices by improving soil productivity and climate smart agriculture practices that will aim to reduce the work burden of women in the mountain areas. With the additional financing, UNDP will aim to pilot interventions for localization of environmental governance in close coordination with all three tiers of the government. Institutionalizing governance at all levels in Nepal is crucial for long-term ownership and sustainability in promoting energy and food security. Integrating Environment Friendly Local Governance practices will harmonize our energy initiatives with local environmental conservation efforts.

“The Royal Norwegian Embassy is pleased to provide additional fundings as energy is critically needed in earthquake-affected regions. Both UNDP and WFP are competent implementing partners with significant experience in this region. I believe that this project will contribute to increased access to electricity, nutritious food and improved environmental governance” said H.E. Torun Dramdal.

“UNDP’s global commitment is to support 500 million people to gain access to clean and affordable energy by 2025. I would like to thank the Norwegian Government for supporting this initiative, through which we are boosting Nepal’s contribution to global commitment connecting energy, food system and climate, in the most vulnerable earthquake affected communities in Jajarkot and West Rukum” said Ms. Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labe.

“This project complements our work in school meals programme which is a flagship programme of WFP. There is a huge task ahead of us to ensure that hopefully one day all these school will contribute to the SDGs in Nepal as well as globally” shared Mr. Robert Kasca, Country Director and Representative, WFP Nepal

The Energy for Food project which was initiated in July 2023 has been working in Karnali and Sudur Paschim Province to enhance food security, enhance renewable energy solutions, and strengthen food systems by utilizing reliable and affordable energy for production, irrigation, processing, storing, packaging, and marketing of locally grown farm products. It aims to help over 150,000 people gain access to renewable and clean energy solutions for improved food security, aligning with UNDP’s Global Strategy to alleviate multidimensional poverty.

Source: UNDP Nepal