Community Rural Development Society – Nepal (CRDS – Nepal), founded in 1992, is a consortium of 11 members. The early focus was on improving infrastructure in remote areas and supporting agriculture extension activities. Today, its programs are wide-ranging and promote equitable and sustainable livelihood in rural areas of Nepal. The programs include improving people’s access to food, health, education, economic opportunities, natural resources and safe environment; promoting governance, peace and disaster risk reduction; and strengthening the ability of the poor and marginalized to exercise their rights and participate in the decisions that affect their lives. These projects prepare non-governmental organizations in Nepal to advocate for land rights for Harawa-Charawa families. This preparedness will help address a root cause of their vulnerability to debt bondage.

Photo credit: Jenna Mulhall-Brereton/Geneva Global