The Kuna-Karnali Region Centre for Agro-tourism, Health, and Community Development Project is a comprehensive initiative designed to drive sustainable regional growth and socio-economic empowerment across the Budinanda, Swamikartik-Khapar, Jagannath, and Himali municipalities of Sudurpashchim Province. By establishing a flagship Community Development Center, the project aims to improve the economic self-sufficiency of low-income households through integrated skill-building and micro-enterprise support, directly boosting local employment and small business startups. To tackle seasonal migration and economic instability, the project focuses on transforming traditional farming into climate-resilient agro tourism enterprises, establishing a robust local value chain for indigenous goods that creates sustainable job opportunities specifically for youth and women.
Parallel to economic growth, the project is deeply committed to improving the health and nutritional status of adolescents and children under five, ensuring that regional development translates into long-term biological well-being. This is supported by a targeted increase in crop yields through sustainable farming practices that enhance food availability without requiring additional land. By systematically collecting and analyzing data on project feasibility and cost effectiveness, the initiative ensures that the lessons learned in these four municipalities provide a validated, evidence-based blueprint for future replication and the sustainable development of Nepal’s mountain regions.