What’s a “veggie tunnel” you ask? Well, the short answer is, basically, it’s a tubular greenhouse, constructed from simple supplies. But the long answer is It’s the latest means of empowerment for community members in Nepal! For a while now,, budding gardeners in the Outreach-affiliated community of Sikharpa have been busy. They’re now cultivating a whole new revenue stream for themselves. The even better news is that they’ve accessed funds from their government’s Agricultural Centre. Subsequently, they’re subsidizing the construction costs.
Veggie Tunnels Construction, Phase 1.
Veggie Tunnels Construction, Phase 2.
Veggie Tunnels Construction, Phase 3.
Of course, a veggie tunnel without veggies is just a tunnel. So, participants received assistance. This is to say they got training from a local cooperative and NGO. Twelve members filled their heads with knowledge about quality seedling production of seasonal vegetables. Then, they filled the soil in their tunnels with healthy, happy seedlings.
Growing..
…Growing…
…Grown!
A foundation for the future
Each cycle, after a few weeks and a lot of patient, expert care, the new farmers then harvest their bounty and sell their crops at a local market. And, since the initial funding for the veggie tunnels came from the government, there’s no debt to repay. This means that each farmer can contribute a portion of their profits to a community fund. The resulting fund covers the costs for even more veggie tunnels in the future. Veggies grow, then success grows!
Their work is the essence of empowered, sustainable community-led development. In addition to increasing their income, it’s a way to strengthen their bonds as teammates, and deepen their experience. Over time, they learn to access resource institutions, and manage community funds. Ultimately, they increase their respective household incomes. And occasionally, they get to enjoy a delicious outcome of their efforts, right off the vine.
Take a look at these recent photos of their incredible work!
Ground covering keep thirsty plants quenched!
Soon enough, they’ll be ready to sell at market.
Ripening on the vine!
How to Help
Just as veggies start as seeds, your donation to outreach is the crucial first step in nurturing something beautiful. It consequently brings projects like this into full bloom. Your generosity inspires generational change. Please give today.
