Jumli Beans sourced directly from small farmers now on sale in Bhatbhateni and Saleways
by: ruth on: 27th Jun, 2017
CONNECT has been working with Aastha General Store, Jumla to build their supply chain, encouraging long term purchase agreements with farmers and sourcing retail markets. We are delighted that Bhatbhateni and Saleways both recently took receipt of 2 metric tons of beans and are now offering for sale Jumli Beans in their Kathmandu stores.
Jumli beans, perceived as a specialty product by Nepalis and foreigners alike, typically retail at NPR 250+ per kg. By reducing the layers between producers and end markets CONNECT has reached this consignment to consumers at a maximum retail price of NPR 155 per kg. CONNECT’s intervention aims to increase commercial demand for Jumli Beans and improve the livelihoods of farmers in Jumla.
RMG Public Audit & RMG Refresher Training, Parbat
by: RAP 3 on: 26th Jun, 2017
RMG Public Audit of payment made from July to October 2016 through DDF was completed between 21st and 23rd June 2017 in all four clusters of Parbat. RMG Refresher Training was also held in respective cluster. Representative from DCC/DTO as well as recently elected local level representatives of various Rural Municipalities were particiapted in the programme.
An export market strategy for Nepali ginger
by: ruth on: 23rd Jun, 2017
Christina, a student on Exeter University’s OnePlanet MBA is in Nepal to work with our MSME partner Organic Mountain Flavor Limited on an international market discovery exercise to strengthen business development capabilities and author an export market strategy for ginger and other organic food and spice products from Nepal. Christina comes with 18+ years of experience with the Government of Canada in areas of rural and economic development and export policies.
Earlier today, in a well attended, interactive session Christina discussed her findings to date and hopes for OMF with RAP, DFID and IMC colleagues.
LRN Gravel supply, Jhapa
by: RAP 3 on: 22nd Jun, 2017
Having signed a contract with DCC, Jhapa for the supply of gravel to DRCNs, Evergreen Construction, Garamani-7 has started supplying the gravel required to carry out routine and recurrent works by RMGs. This is one of two packages for the supply of gravel to DRCNs in Jhapa. The other package was won by J&J construction Pvt. Ltd, Damak-2 to which a letter for signing the contract has been issued by the DCC. The gravel will be very helpful for patching potholes and shoulder repair works.
Meeting conducted in Patarasi Rural Municipality Jumla
by: RAP 3 on: 20th Jun, 2017
On 12th June 2017, Patarasi Rural Municipality Jumla conducted a meeting with all the non-governmental organizations that are working for the development of this municipality. RAP3 was represented by the site supervisor (IoW) Saroj Chaudhary and Intern Engineer Binod Yadav. The main objective of the meeting was to discuss on the progress and challenges faced by organizations during their implementation of work. RAP3 representatives asked for support from the municipality for smooth operation of works along with a mechanism to solve any disputes arising between the locals and RAP during the implementation of works.
How to Change the World
by: RAP 3 on: 16th Jun, 2017
James Walton and Sneha Shrestha from IMC Worldwide in Nepal recently participated in an exciting conference held in London for 750 engineering and management science students called How to Change the World. It’s a two week design and problem solving programme which aims to equip students with the skills to develop creative and technically robust solutions to 21st Century challenges. The programme brings in clients from government, NGOs and industry to help offer the students some guidance and expertise as they scope out their problem briefs and design their solutions. This year the students were tackling challenges around water, transport, energy, cities and the circular economy, all of which are framed around the Sustainable Development Goals.
This year, one of the student groups was asked to tackle the energy needs of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Nepal in ways that are affordable, safe and acceptable to the displaced populations and are feasible within the limits that the environment imposes. James and Sneha gave information to students on how IDP camps are administered, on the infrastructure and facilities in and around IDP camps, on the availability of heating stove technology, on education financing in IDP camps, on GoN cooperation with INGOs and on the reconstruction progress after the 2015 earthquakes.
RMGs orientation of SSDR Corridor
by: RAP 3 on: 16th Jun, 2017
On 12th -13th June 2017 RAP3 Kalikot completed two days training for three newly formed RMGs of Sannighat-Syuna -Shipkhana District Road for implementing routine and recurrent maintenance activities before the monsoon. The main objective of training was to raise awareness for RMGs to prevent road assets from being damaged and to make the road pliable in all seasons. The programme was chaired by Deputy Mayor of Raskot Municipality Mrs. Minsera Bam Shahi and was attended by ward chairpersons, Secretary of Municipality and RMG members. 12 members were formed with participation of 6 women which contributed 50% of female access. The orientation was facilitated by GE Prabin Khatri, IE Sanjay Sigdel, IoW Harish K.C. and STS Bal Bahadur Rai.
Radio Programme ‘Bikash Ko Bato’ in Kalikot
by: RAP 3 on: 13th Jun, 2017
The RAP3 funded weekly radio programme ‘Bikash ko Bato’ has been broadcasting from Naya Karnali FM under the direct supervision of Antenna Foundation Nepal (AFN). On June 7th Naya Karnali FM conducted a public hearing at the premises of Raskot Municipality as part of its ‘Radio Dialogue for Development’ programme. The title of public hearing was ‘Development & its Irregularities’. The hearing was chaired by Deputy Mayor of Raskot Municipality Mrs Minsera Bam Shahi and was attended by newly elected ward members, district level political parties, RAP3 DTL, RAP3 TMO and representatives of the local people. The objective of hearing was to support the delivery of development activities at all level in a transparent manner and raise awareness among stakeholders and beneficiaries about development issues.
RAP3 CONNECT Wins ACE Award
by: RAP 3 on: 12th Jun, 2017
IMC Managing Director wrote last Thursday 8th June at midnight the following message: “I'm delighted to inform you that last night IMC won two awards at the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) 2017 Awards. We won Best UK Business Performance, SME 2017 and RAP3 CONNECT won the award for Collaboration Champion of the Year. These awards were won against some amazing competition so the wins really are testament to the high quality of our people, the work we deliver and our business as a whole. Well done all.
Photo shows from left to right: Suraj Rana, Gavin English, Patrick Gleeson, Nigel Penfold and Katie McCloud following the presentation of the two awards.
CONNECT's collaboration with Unilever Nepal has been recognised for its work to promote sustainable livelihoods
by: RAP 3 on: 12th Jun, 2017
The partnership between CONNECT, Unilever Nepal Limited and Prabhu Bank Limited has been recognised for its work to promote sustainable livelihoods for women by The Association for Consulting and Engineering Awards 2017. IMC Worldwide, the UK firm implementing RAP3 and convenor of the partnership accepted the accolade at the Awards ceremony held in London, last week.
This innovative model of extreme collaboration between a donor programme and the private sector is paving the way to economic independence for hundreds of rural women in the remotest parts of Nepal.
