The Government of Finland and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have joined forces to advance clean energy, strengthen food systems, and improve child nutrition in Nepal through additional funding of EUR 619,986 (approximately NPR 103.79 million) for the Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) project. Implemented in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and initially funded by the Government of Norway, this project aims to scale up climate-resilient development and sustainable livelihoods across the country.
The funding will expand Home-Grown School Feeding under Nepal’s Mid-Day School Meals Programme to 427 schools across 10 municipalities in Bajura, Surkhet, and Baitadi districts. The initiative focuses on enhancing local crop productivity, expanding market access, and promoting productive use of clean energy. H.E. Petri Puhakka, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal, and Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP Nepal Resident Representative, signed the agreement, underscoring Nordic collaboration to translate global climate and development pledges into tangible outcomes on the ground.
The project aims to ensure that 30,000 students receive nutritious, locally sourced meals daily while promoting climate-smart energy solutions in schools. This includes constructing or rehabilitating 10 climate-smart school kitchens and introducing Metallic Improved Cooking Stoves (MICS) in 40 schools and Electric Induction Cooking Stoves (EICS) in 10 schools. By linking cooperatives and farmers’ groups to schools, the initiative strengthens local food systems and creates reliable markets for climate-resilient agriculture.
Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka emphasized that the partnership not only improves school nutrition but also empowers communities by connecting farmers to institutional markets and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Similarly, Riaz Lodhi, WFP Representative and Country Director, highlighted that home-grown school meals serve as a catalyst for systemic change by ensuring children receive nutritious food while driving inclusive economic growth and strengthening local food systems.
Since its launch in July 2023, the RERAS project has benefited 10,000 households and improved access to clean energy for over 150,000 people across Karnali, Sudur Paschim, and Bagmati Provinces. By leveraging renewable energy for production, irrigation, processing, storage, and marketing of locally grown produce, the project contributes to UNDP’s global strategy to tackle multidimensional poverty while promoting sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development in Nepal.
