Sankharapur, despite being within the Kathmandu Valley, remains a remote area situated on its outskirts. Within this municipality, specifically in Ward No. 5, lies the village of Bishambhara, which is approximately 14 kilometres from the heart of Kathmandu. The inhabitants of Bishambhara primarily belong to the Tamang Indigenous Community. Their way of life is deeply intertwined with subsistence agriculture, meaning they grow crops and raise livestock mainly to meet their own needs rather than for commercial purposes. This agricultural practice is their main source of livelihood, sustaining them and their families.

National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), established in 1998, has dedicated itself to empowering Indigenous Communities. In 2020, as part of its ongoing efforts, NIWF focused on the Tamang Women Group in Sankharapur by providing them with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training. This specialised training was designed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by the Tamang Women in their agricultural practices. The IPM training was not just about managing pests but also aimed at introducing climate-smart farming techniques. These methods are essential for adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. By adopting climate-smart farming, the Tamang Women can improve their crop yields and resilience against environmental stresses.

Photo Description: Indigenous Tamang Women using compost manure.

With the support of NIWF, Tamang women have officially registered their group as "Bishambhara Tamang Mahila Krishak Samuha" with the Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in their municipality. The group comprises 25 members who contribute Rs 500 each month. The ultimate goal of this initiative was to enhance the economic condition of the Tamang Women Group. With better farming practices, they can increase their agricultural productivity, leading to greater food security and the potential for surplus produce that can be sold in markets. This not only boosts their income but also contributes to the overall well-being of their families and community. Through this training, NIWF aimed to empower the Tamang women, giving them the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a changing climate and improve their livelihoods sustainably.

Photo Description: Group photo after the training.