IFAD to launch micro-enterprises project in Nepal

Kishor Kumar Poudel in Rome

Officials of the International Fund for Agriculture Development Fund (IFAD) have informed that the Fund is preparing to launch the micro-enterprises project soon in Nepal to engage the youth to create more jobs.

Informing about IFAD activities at a gathering of journalists from different countries at IFAD's headquarters in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday, Beroit Thierry, IFAD's country programme manager for Asia and the Pacific division said that the agency was going to carry out activities to attract the youth through micro-enterprises.

Though he did not inform when exactly the programme would be launched, Thierry expressed hope that many youths in rural Nepal will benefit from it.

Noting that Nepal is currently facing political instability and about 1000-1200 youths are leaving the country for job opportunities abroad, Thierry said the programme will also aim to facilitate sustainable peace which is a must for prosperous Nepal.

Nepal was one of the first countries to benefit from IFAD loans. Since 1978, IFAD has provided a total of US$198.2 million in loans for 14 projects.

Five of those projects-- Western Uplands Poverty Alleviation project, Leasehold Forestry and Livestock Programme, Poverty Alleviation Fund Project II, High-value agriculture project in hill and mountain areas and Kisankalagi Unnat Biu-Bijan Karyakram are ongoing.

IFAD's current strategy in Nepal is focused on supporting the development policies and programmes of the government and other partners, especially in relation to peace building, reconciliation, reconstruction and economic recovery, Theirry said.

The IFAD, a specialised agency of the United Nations, was established as a international financial institution in 1977. nepalnews.com