In January 2021 a new project started, covering a structured and sustainable development in Chepel for the next 3 years to come.
The principal purpose of the projet is to enable the inhabitants increasing their productivity, creating new products and bring them to market even in Kathmandu by focused trainings and a train-the-trainer concept. Thus they gain more independence from wheather conditions and tourism income from mountain guides and porters.
While the comprehensive project plan was set up by a global acting NGO (Heifer International Nepal), the dwellers are responsible for the implementation, together with support from Friends of Chepel.
Due to the Corona situation the project plan could not be executed with the timelines initially planned. However, a young Chepel inhabitant was already trained as Community Agro Vet Entrepreneur (CAVE). He has started to work in Chepel and triggers and supports the respective animal health initiatives.
Progress reached in 2022
This is one out of 3 currently existing professionell goat sheds which were built in Chepel under the governance of Heifer. Goats can stand under a roof and their urine and faeces drops through scratches, where the faeces can be recovered and used as fertilizer.
Kiwi plantations have been established in 8 households in Chepel and the fruit grows perfectly well in Chepel. In November 2022 a group of European visitors could taste the kiwis, which are extremly sweet and tasty. Villagers are now introduced into the marketing of the fruits in order to best manage the harvest.
The grinding mill is not really new, it serves the dwellers since electricity was available in 2018, but it plays also a crucial role in sustainable development.
