Nutrition in Mountain Agro-ecosystems (NMA)
Capacity Building Program of Rural Service providers (F2F1)
Training report
Rama Paudel
Lead Facilitator: Shakhnoza Kurbanalieva
Facilitators: Soma Rana
: Alok Shrestha
: Prakash Chandra Joshi
24-29 May, 2016
Surkhet, Nepal
Background
Nutrition in Mountain Agro-ecosystem (NMA) is sustainable agriculture based program
funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Global Programme Food security,
and implemented by the international federation and research institute of Organic Agriculture
with National Partners in 5 countries. HELVETAS Nepal is implementing this program in Nepal
since June 2015 to promote improved nutrition and resilience driven by an action network of
empowered Rural Service Providers (RSPs). Considering the working areas of HELVETAS
Swiss Inter cooperation Nepal, government’s prioritized and piloted areas, poverty and nutrition
status, ecological zone representation, there are 10 strategic (core) districts that are located in the
road corridor. There are 14 diffusion districts of the project, which are adjoining districts of
strategic areas and Nutrition Sensitive Interventions will be scaled up in these districts. NMA
supports in networking of RSPs and establishes technical platform that allows for exchange of
knowledge, information and communication. NMA provides RSPs the access to functional
knowledge, capacity building and coaching. As a part of Capacity building program of RSPs in
Nepal, 6 days face to face training was conducted from 24th
to 29th
May 2016 at Hotel Siddartha
Sunny Resort, Surkhet.31 RSPs ( 8 Female & 23 Male) and 2 HELVETAS staffs from that
region participated in training.
Objectives of training
Empower RSPs to replicate/scale innovation
Improve and develop the knowledge and skills of the selected RSPs, both practically and
theoretically
To nurture and further develop RSPs to become not only “possessors” of knowledge but “
multipliers” of knowledge through network
To ensure that RSPs help grow the global network of service providers, strengthening
their voice and their impact and ensuring that good and best practices
Inauguration session
Training was inaugurated with welcome speech from project coordinator Soma Rana.
National RSP facilitator, Alok Shrestha described the objectives of training. Formal introduction
among RSPs was done in pair. In this method, every RSP introduced their pair with their name,
organization and favorite food. To know the RSP’s expectation during the training, expectation
was collected with individual in Meta card and grouped accordingly (similar nature of
expectation). To maintain the learning environment, RSPs also set some norms for the training.
Figure 1: Soma Rana (National Project Coordinator welcoming RSPs in opening session
Figure 2: RSPs introducing their pair.
Session delivery
Overall schedule for 6 days training was prepared and sent to the RSPs. The training
covered the information about sustainable agriculture, nutrition situation in Nepal and its
importance, facilitation skills, facilitation in MAAN platform & preparation about the project
concept for micro-intervention. There was also an excursion visit in farmer’s field & also in
commercial farmer’s model farm. Different training methods were adopted in the training such
as lecture, group discussion, role play, visual presentation, fishbowl, world café etc. Day wise
activities are explained briefly below:
Day 1
How do we learn?
In this session, Lead facilitator Shaknoza explained about the art of participatory
learning with a group exercise of theory, action and reflection. This session was fruitful in
creating learning environment for participants.
Definition of Sustainable Agriculture:
In this session, theoretical knowledge was delivered about sustainable agriculture, agro-
ecology, organic farming, nutrition sensitive agriculture and four principle of organic agriculture.
RSPs discussed about their understating of sustainable agriculture through the participatory
method called Fish bowl.
Figure 3: Discussion about sustainable agriculture using Fish Bowl method.
My model agriculture farm
RSPs were divided in five different groups to exercise about sustainable agriculture
through model farm. Learning from theory and discussion about sustainable agriculture in earlier
session, RSPs sketched the concept of model farm as follows:
Group 1 : Dailekh Jwala Agriculture Farm
This concept was developed by the RSPs from Dailekh district.
Group 2 : Chayanath Model Agriculture Farm
This concept was developed by the RSPs from mugu district
Group 3 : Hariyali Agriculture Farm
Group 4 : Sunder Sudurpachim
This concept was developed by RSPs from Farwest Development Region.
Group 5 : Jajarkoti Ghava Model Agriculture Farm
This concept was developed from the RSPs from Jajarkot district.
Thus prepared conceptual sketch about model agriculture farm was displayed and discussed by
the group using method of world café.
Figure 4: RSPs sharing their concept of sustainable agriculture farm by using world café method.
Day 2
Second day of training course was started with the review of previous day from
participants. In first session of second day, Project coordinator, Soma Rana clarified about the
NMA project in Nepal. Next session till the second half of the day was facilitated by nutrition
expert of UNICEF Prakash Chandra Joshi. He explained about the malnutrition (Definition,
types and consequences). Additionally, he explained about the major milestones of nutrition,
nutritional status, Policy & strategy & ongoing nutrition programs in Nepal. Furthermore, he also
explained about the infant and young child feeding. He also described about the multi sector
nutrition plan, its importance and organization.
Figure 5: Prakash Chnadra Joshi, Nutrition expert from UNICEF facilitating the session.
In second half of the day, Shaknoza explained the theory and methods for baseline survey
especially about two methods i.e. Focus group discussion &Minimum diet diversity score-
Women (MDDS-W). After that RSPs were divided in two groups and assigned for role play in
two methods of baseline survey.
Day 3
Third day of the course was started with review of previous day. In first session, RSPs
described their understanding about baseline survey through role play. The role play from both
groups was clear. Feedback from RSPs from another group and from facilitator further clarified
about baseline survey.
Figure 6: RSPs peforming role play about MDDS-W survey
In second session, Shaknoza described about the facilitation theory and practices. She
explained the participatory training tools such as brainstorming, grop work, role plays, panel
discussion, fish bowl, open space, world café etc. After that RSPs learned about MAAN platform
and opportunities and facilitation skill in MAAN plat platform from RSP facilitator, Alok
Shrestha . RSPs were divided in groups and assigned the task to discuss about MAAN plantform,
its strength and feedback for improvement. Group leaders from each group presented the
summary of discussion. RSPs were passionate to learn about MAAN platform and appreciate
the opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing through MAAN platform. However,
some of them expressed their concern about the lack of internt access in village. At the end of
3rd
day, RSPs were then divided in two groups for excursion visit in 4th
day.
Day 4
Fourth day of the training program was started with excursion to RSP in field. First group
visited in rural village of Surkhet district and second group visited model agriculture farm. RSPs
were also refreshed with visit to some of the historic and tourism place of Surkhet such as Kakre
Bihar, Deauti Bajai and Bulbul Lake. Returning from the field visit, RSPs shared their learning
and feedback on the excursion. Additionally, they discussed about the possibilities of
incorporating their learning during micro project development. In final session of 4th day, there
was discussion about the concept of micro projects. RSPs were trained about the basic template
and ideas to develop micro projects. Micro Project ideas from RSPs were then clustered
thematically and geographically in eight groups.
Figure 7 : RSPs in farmers field.
Figure 8 : RSPs with local farmer during their excursion
Figure 9 : RSPs interacting with farmer during the visit of construction site of greenhouse
for commercial vegetable farming.
Day 5
Resource Persons developed project concept note (PCN) about their micro intervention in 5th
day of the Capacity development training. There were eight different groups according to
different theme and regions. RSPs presented their ideas and received feedback for improvement.
The themes of the projects were clustered as follows:
1) School nutrition
2) Nettle processing and marketing
3) Promotion of Local legume
4) Organic Manure production and demonstration
5) Promotion of diversified food items ( cooking recipe)
6) Kitchen gardening
7) Honey bee production and marketing
8) Media
Figure 10 : RSPs discussing about their micro project concept.
Day 6
In final day of the training program, RSPs received feedback from project management
team especially on the clarity about their topic and budgeting aspects. There was also discussion
about the basic values of project implementation. Furthermore, Shaknoza briefed about the
webinars and asked RSPs to provide their opinion for webinars. Based upon their similarity the
probable topics of webinars were clustered in seven topics. RSPs were asked for preference
ranking about the topic. Most of the RSPs were keen to learn from knowledge and experience of
field from National and international experience. The expected topics for webinars from RSPs
were as follows:
Value chain development ( post harvest, Marketing)
Sustainable Agriculture
Use of MAAN platform
Nutrient and Nutrition
Advocacy strategy
Organic production and certification
Knowledge Sharing (Good Practices, success stories, field experiences and other
countries experience)
Figure 11: Chetana Shahi ( RSP from Mugu) ranking her preference for webinars.
The sessions were ended with the evaluation of training. RSPs were satisfied with the content,
delivery and learning environment.
Closing ceremony
Closing ceremony was facilitated by Soma Rana. International facilitator Shaknoza handover
organic T-shirt and IFOM pendrive to RSPs and NMA Nepal team offered a token of love to
Saknoza. The ceremony was ended with closing note from Shaknoza.
Figure 12 : Yongest and eldest member from RSPs providing token of love to international
facilitator Shaknoza
Figure 13: Shaknoza providing Organic T-Shirt to RSPs
Overall impression of training:
The training was successful to clarify the concept on sustainable agriculture. RSPs
became able to develop their micro project. RSPs were very enthusiastic and the learning
environment was favorable and participatory. The training was fruitful in enhancing the capacity
of RSPs to develop micro project and implement in field level.
Annex 1 : RSPs of First Capacity Building Program of Rural Service providers (F2F1)
SN District Name Sex Organization& Designation Telephone no.
1 Mugu Chetana Shahi F
Chairperson, Women
Upliftment and Awareness
Centre (WUAC)-Mugu
9758900230
2 Mugu Samjhana Shaha F Teacher, Mahakali Model
Higher Secondary School
9748900690,
9848308384
3 Mugu Ishwor Malla M District (Health) Coordinator,
SAPPROS Nepal
9758900591,
9849138474
4 Mugu Dabal Kumai M Social Mobilizer, SAPPROS
Nepal 9868309166
5 Mugu Prakash
Budthapa M
Consultant Advisor,
Community Irrigation Project
(CIP)
9848303419
6 Dailekh Maharup Khatri M
Chairperson, SAEWCC
Dailekh; Chairperson, NGO
Federation, District Chapter,
9858050143,
9800560344,
9758001249
Dailekh
7 Dailekh Bishnu Prasad
Sharma M
Publisher and Editor,
Dhamaka Daily (Dailekh);
district reporter, Nepal
Television and Nayapatrika
National Daily
9848141313,
089 420403
(office), 089
420221
(residence)
8 Dailekh Chakra Bahadur
KC M
Station Manager, Radio
Dhurbatara community FM,
Dailekh
9858050323,
089 410020
9 Dailekh Harikala Thapa F Public Health Nurse, District
Health Office
9848070015,
089 420390
10 Dailekh Sumitra Thapa
Magar F
Project Coordinator,
MEDEP/District Micro
Entrepreneurs Group
Association (D-MEGA),
Dailekh
9844835745
11 Dailekh Parbati Bisunke F Chairperson, Feminist Dalit
Organization (FEDO)
9858050454;
9848077355
12 Dailekh Keshav Bahadur
Bhandari M
Principal, Shree Vijaya
Higher Secondary School,
Dullu 7
9858051752
13 Dailekh
Krishna
Bahadur
Shrestha
M
Teacher, Janata Lower
Secondary School;
Chairperson, Community
Development Programme
9858050040
14 Dailekh Sunita Chand F
Programme Focal Person,
Women Empowerment
Action Forum (WEAF),
Dailekh
9848064319
15 Jajarkot Sarswati Giri F
Programme Coordinator,
Drinking Water and
Sanitation
Programme/Himalaya Social
Development Center (HSDC),
Jajarkot
9860301576,
9816589220,
9860451637
16 Jajarkot Subarna Gautam M Social Mobilizer, CFD/VDC 9868139452
17 Jajarkot Dip Bahadur
Gharti M
Manager, Digital Sanchar Dot
Com 9844820755
18 Jajarkot Rajendra
Bikram Shah M
Convenor, Civil Society,
District Coordination
Committee
9758001010,
089 430039
(residence)
19 Jumla Jaya Bahadur
Shrestha M
Shangri-La Association,
Jumla 9848300864
20 Jumla Ghanashyam
Nagarkoti M
Team Leader, Surya Social
Service Society (4 S), Jumla
9858320599,
081-521784
(residence)
21 Kalikot Durga Bahadur
Bista M
Field Coordinator, SAADA
Nepal, Kalikot
9848358091,
087
440257/440177
22 Kalikot Hansh Raj
Neupane M Vaccinator, Health Post
9848061926,
9848348899
23 Kalikot Hari Bahadur
Shahi M
Programme Officer, Rural
Development Nepal
(RDN)/AFSP, Kalikot
9848157559,
087 440158
24 Kalikot Pusparaj
Acharya M
Project Coordinator,
HuRENDEC Nepal (Youth
Training in Disaster
Preparedness-YTDP project)
9848051984
25 Bajura Krishna Kumari
Dani F
Project Officer, Women
Development Forum, Bajura
097 541207
(office),
9849560697
26 Bajura Dhan Bahadur
Rawat M
Programme Coordinator,
Rural Reconstruction
Development Centre (RRDC),
Bajura
9865612848,
9749002325,
097 541023
27 Achham Tikendra Prasad
Bhandari M
Social Mobilization
Coordinator, Dynamic
Multipurpose Society/Local
Governance and Community
Development Programme
(LGCDP)
9860703703
28 Achham Man Bahadur
Shahi M
Co-operative Manager,
Pachulli Vegetable and Seed
Production Cooperative
(PVSPC), Achham
9619708568
29 Achham Nar Bahadur
Saud M
Coordinator, Rural
Development Centre
(RUDEC) Nepal, Achham
9848645640
30 Banke Ashok Kumar
Thapa M
Asst. Consultant, Fine Smart
International Consultancy Pvt.
Ltd., Banke
9868183500,
9748008699
31 Banke Bir Bahadur
Hamal M
ED, Fine Smart International
Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., Banke 9841859895
Others
32 Dailekh Shilpa Kunwar F
District Programme
Coordinator,
LINK/HELVETAS
9858052287,
089
420057/420626
33 Jajarkot Shanti Rai F
District Programme
Coordinator,
LINK/HELVETAS
9848119584,
089 430223
34 Kathmandu Rama Paudel F Freelancer (language
translator)
35 Kathmandu Soma Rana F
NMA National Coordinator,
HELVETAS Swiss
Intercooperation Nepal
9851137912
36 Kyrgzstan Shakhnoza
Kurbanalieva F
NMA International
Coordinator, IFOAM-
Organics International