StoriesofIhanUe

After the Study Tour : Stories of Change Contents

Acronyms (II) Glossary (III) Acknowledgements (IV) Introduction (V) Bangladesh Stories 1 Maximising Market Opportunities 2 Hope in Sericulture 4 From Jute Ropes to Lokta Paper 6 Money from Tomatoes 8 Six Steps to Success 11 Money from Trees 14 India Stories 16 Increasing Efficiency in Social Mobilization 17 An Unexpected Learning 19 Putting Proportional Representation into Practice 20 Representational Leadership 22 Multi-partnership: The Importance of Coordination 23 Women’s Initiative 25 Inspiration to Irrigate 27 Loans for Bio-gas 28 Transparency in Practice 29 A Catalyst for Women’s Savings and Credit 30 Warm up Session Stories 31 Kalika: the Story of a Poor Household 32 Accounting and Accountability 34 Turning Problems into Solutions 36 Persisting in the Face of Adversity: the Story of Jhamkimaya 38 Annex A : Participants who undertook the study tour to Bangladesh (i) Annex B : Story Telling (ii) Photos : (iv)

(I) After the Study Tour : Stories of Change Acronyms

CBO Community Based Organisations CFUG Community Forest User Group DFO District Forest Office ECARDS Ecology, Agriculture and Rural Development Society LRP Local Resource Person MYRADA Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency NGO Non-Government Organization NSCFP Swiss Community Forestry Project PAF Poverty Alleviation Fund SHG Self Help Group SSMP Sustainable Soil Management Program VDC Village Development Committee VLDP Village Level Development Planning

After the Study Tour : Stories of Change (II) Glossary

alit : A term of self-designation used to describe people once called un- touchables under the caste system. Belonging to occupational castes (such Das blacksmiths, tailors and leather workers), such people were subject to very strong discrimination in earlier times – and remain disadvantaged in Nepali society today, despite the fact that discrimination on the basis of caste is illegal. Janajati : A term of self-designation used by indigenous people of Nepal – those whose ethnic origins can be broadly traced to within Nepal’s boundaries. They include Tamangs, Gurungs, Sherpas, Majhis and many others. The term is generally used to distinguish people from the more privileged Brahmin and Chhe- tri groups and the disadvantaged dalits. Lokta : (Daphne spp) : A forest bush, the bark of which is used for traditional Nepali paper-making Argeli (Edgeworthia gardineri) : A small shrub, the bark of which is used to make fine paper which has a particular market in Japan. Ropani : A traditional unit of land comprising a square 74 feet by 74 feet. There are about 19.65 ropani to 1 hectatre, and almost exactly 8 ropani to 1 acre.

(III) After the Study Tour : Stories of Change Acknowledgements

he Manthali workshop that led to this publication, as well as the content itself, involved the contribution of many people. First and Tforemost are the participants themselves, who gave their time and thoughts so enthusiastically. Those who hosted them on their study tours in Bangladesh and in India should also not be forgotten; the Intercooperation Delegations India in Hyderabad and Bangladesh in Dhaka are warmly thanked in this respect. The workshop was facilitated by Jane Carter and Brahma Dhoj Gurung, with general support being provided by Rudriksha Rai Parajuli and Anupama Mahat. Logistical arrangements were kindly and efficiently made by Anita Shrestha, Ma- namaya Moktan, Mitha Lamichane, Om Bahadur Karki, Kaji Thapa Magar and Dill Bahadur Hayu. Sangita Pariyar and Anupama Mahat then shared the time-consuming task of transcribing the stories that had been recorded, with Anupama editing the Ne- pali versions, translating them into English, and formatting the final booklet. Jane Carter coordinated and edited the final English text, with Rudriksha Rai Parajuli providing helpful comments. Anonymous Photographers other than mentioned in the book are also very much thanked for their contribution. SDC is gratefully acknowledged for financially supporting the study tours, the workshop and this publication – all provided through NSCFP.

After the Study Tour : Stories of Change (IV) Introduction

t was hot, dry and dehydrating; as the afternoon breeze gathered force down the valley, the group sitting in the open-walled meeting area was showered Iwith a fine cloud of dust. We had come together in the district town of Manthali, Ramechhap to reflect upon journeys undertaken one year earlier, in May 2008. Through the facilitation of NSCFP and Intercooperation’s delegations in Bangla- desh and India, 22 of the persons gathered had travelled either to Bangladesh or to Southern India. There they had visited a number of Swiss-supported activities in community-based natural resource management, with the objective of learning and sharing experiences. Such study tours are quite commonly arranged through Swiss development assistance, although the number of persons involved and the scope of these particular study tours, both of which lasted 10 days, was somewhat exceptional. As required, the participants had filed a report on their return. Yet what had really stayed with them after their travels – what had they learned that they could put into practice on their return? Had anything that they saw genuinely inspired change? Asking such questions to study tour participants one year after their tour is not a very common part of capacity building exercises, yet it should be. Despite the heat and dust of Manthali, the two days that the participants spent there together proved to be a time of rich exchanges and insights. This was the most important part of the exercise: the validation of what people had learned. The method of sharing that was chosen – story telling – also proved to be a valuable one for a number of reasons. In particular, telling a story focused each participant’s mind on the particular message that s/he wished to convey – and brought in naturally emotional or attitudinal aspects, not only facts. People furthermore readily remembered each other’s stories. It was decided that the stories could also be of interest to a wider audience in Nepal – and also to those involved in hosting the participants in Bangladesh and India. The final ones were therefore recorded and subsequently transcribed and translated into English – the workshop having been held in Nepali. (The Nepali versions of the stories are also available.) Participants were encouraged to keep their stories short and concise; some

(V) After the Study Tour : Stories of Change are indeed extremely short. The subject matter ranges quite considerably, but overall trends emerged. Those visiting the projects in Southern India had been particularly stuck by the way that village-level accountability and transparency is ensured – through rotational leadership, proportional representation, and public meetings. They had also been inspired by the savings and credit schemes of women’s self help groups (SHGs). Those visiting Bangladesh, by contrast, had above all been convinced of the benefits of commercialising local products, follow- ing a business plan and a value chain approach. Interestingly, some also found in this an opportunity to collaborate on their return with another Swiss-supported project, the Sustainable Soil Management Project (SSMP). Four stories at the end of the booklet do not relate to the study tours, but to NSCFP activities more generally. They were told by participants in a “warm up” session, practising how to tell a good story. These particular ones were felt to be so memorable that they are included here. A few notes on story telling as a methodology are provided in Annex B. In Annex A are listed the names of all the study tour participants who attended the Manthali workshop. Due to job changes, travel difficulties or other reasons, some of the original 31 were unable to attend, but the 22 present – whether they chose to tell a story themselves or collaborated in the crafting of one told by a colleague – provided a very substantive body of experience.

Jane Carter Intercooperation, Bern, July 2009.

After the Study Tour : Stories of Change (VI) Bangladesh Stories

Photo by : Anju Upadhaya Skilled women of a village in Bangladesh embroydering fabrics.

1 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change Maximising Market Opportunities

Bhuwan Shrestha

he people of Chisapani VDC, was chosen by the NSCFP to partici- – and pate in a study tour to Bangladesh. Tespecially the dalits, janajatis and During the trip I focused on how to the poor – have no other livelihood manage organisations in a sustain- option than to practice subsistence able way. I also realised that without level farming. Recognising this situ- attention to markets, enterprises can- ation, a local NGO that had obtained not become sustainable. support from the Poverty Allevia- Once back in Nepal, I shared my tion Fund (PAF) started identifying the experiences and learning with my team poorest households so that income members. I told them about the busi- generation activities could be focused ness plans used in Bangladesh that on them. The well being of the people have enhanced the livelihoods of peo- has been categorized, and Community ple. We concluded that we can adopt a Based Organisations (CBO) compris- similar method in Nepal. We proposed ing dalits, janajatis and poor women this to the five CBOs. We encouraged has been formed. At present there farmers to think of the multiple benefits are five CBOs in Chisapani. These available from a single livestock activ- CBOs are planning to promote live- ity. For example, a farmer who keeps stock rearing. As my work involves a buffalo not only benefits from the both livestock rearing and forestry, I sale of milk and butter, but can also

After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 2 be encouraged to manage the manure an improvement in their livelihoods. for profit. We made plans for manure Now, even though they lack irrigation, management by which it could be sold they have been supplied with off-sea- for vegetable farming on a large scale. son vegetables and their seeds in the This should further enhance both on market. Farmers seem very excited with and off-season vegetable farming. We this programme. With the outcome, they submitted our proposal to SSMP, which have realised that with hard work, veg- agreed to it. Now with the input of SSMP etables can be supplied all year round. and the funds of the CBOs, schemes Now, we also have a small building at such as enhanced production of cash Manthali (Headquarter of Ramechhap) crops, off-season vegetables and cul- where the vegetables are marketed. We tivation of major crops have been in- are even thinking of supplying the surplus troduced. People have experienced vegetables to Kathmandu in the future.

Photo by : A woman in Okhaldhunga gathers Mukesh Rijal cow dung for manure in her land.

3 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change Hope in Sericulture

Indra Subedi

am a member of Mathani CFUG of (fairly strict) Brahmin households in Dolakha. Earlier on, the hills and very few dalit and janajati house- I of Dolakha were bare. We could holds. Thus, pig keeping, poultry and even see foxes running around. We the cultivation of certain spices such pressured the District Forest Office as onions and garlic would have very (DFO), Dolakha to hand over the little consumption in the village. We management of the forests to the lo- really lacked ideas for income gener- cal communities, and eventually our ation opportunities in the village. As I proposal was accepted after being worked in the forestry sector and had rejected twice. The region is very travelled much, people turned to me green and beautiful now. The CFUG for ideas. I took this seriously, and in is the group of an entire village with the meantime, I got the opportunity to about 85 households. Our only mo- visit Bangladesh on a study tour. tive then was to fetch firewood and On returning, I shared my observa- other daily needs from the forest. tions and learning with the CFUG mem- We never thought of utilising the re- bers. Everyone liked the idea of seri- sources for enterprise development culture in particular and I did my best and income generation. In any case, to convey them all that I had learned the idea was not so easy to imple- from Bangladesh about this business. ment as the village has a majority Of course the process is long. We have

After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 4 to plant saplings, and let them grow. looking at the market, the attempt As the caterpillars develop the cocoon seemed worthwhile. So we are starting around their bodies, we should pluck the effort from this year onwards. I am them and then continue the process also planning to start sericulture on my of extracting the thread. This seemed own land. Let us hope that our efforts a long and expensive process but will succeed.

Photo by : Study tour participant learning Anju Upadhaya to weave silk thread.

5 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change From Jute Ropes to Lokta Paper

Kamal Neupane

his is a story of six very remote vil- study tour organised by NSCFP. There lages towards the north western I could observe various activities of Tbelt of Okhaldhunga, lying some projects implemented by Intercoopera- 19 miles away from the district head- tion Bangladesh. I learned a lot. I was quarter. In 2001, I and some other young especially impressed when I saw that people in Okhaldhunga registered the people in Jarilla were making money by Likhudemba Community Development selling ropes made of jute. I asked them Forum. We established it to support and why they were making ropes instead of complement the initiatives of United Mis- simply selling the raw jute. Why bother sion to Nepal for awareness raising on to make ropes? They replied that they infrastructure development and income could have sold unprocessed jute as generation in the six VDCs. The Forum well, but they get paid better when they collaborates with other organisations and sell ropes. With that reply, I thought of community based groups in the VDCs all the argeli and lokta that we have in and at present works with 1,086 mem- every CFUG in Nepal. These resources bers of 73 groups. are taken for granted. I felt that we can at We were thinking about how to least utilise these resources, selling them enhance the livelihoods of the janaja- after processing to fetch a good profit. tis, dalits, women and other disadvan- So, on returning to Nepal, I shared taged people of the region when I got the learning with my colleagues at the the opportunity to visit Bangladesh on a Likhudemba Community Development

After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 6 Forum. They were also impressed and directly employed through these fac- supported me in initiating the endeav- tories. Appreciating the idea, NSCFP our. Out of the six VDCs in which we supported the Saunepakha CFUG work, seven community forests in three through the training of six CFUG mem- VDCs have plenty of lokta and argeli. bers in paper making. At the same These CFUG members agreed on time, we are facing various challenges. starting up a Nepali paper factory. Two On one hand, we lack sufficient budget representatives from each CFUG came to initiate the operations of the two fac- together to form an ad-hoc committee tories and on the other hand, according that would run the Gauri Bann Nepali to the community forestry legislation, Kagaj Udhyog (Gauri Forest Nepali Pa- factories cannot operate within 1 km per Factory) and Nepali Kagaj Udhyog distance of the community forest. We Ragani, Okhaldhunga (Nepali Paper are not yet sure how to overcome these Factory, Ragani, Okhaldhunga ). challenges, but we are determined to To date we have prepared the busi- run these factories as they promise to ness plan and the constitution, and are be a good source of employment and in the process of registering the facto- income for the disadvantaged people ries. Some eight to ten people will be of the six VDCs. Photo by : Anju Upadhaya Photo by :

Study tour participants learning the process of jute making with local people of Zarilla

7 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 8 Money from Tomatoes

Nawaraj Khadka

ver the past three years, the vegetable production. Sustainable Soil Management In the meantime, I had the op- OProgramme (SSMP) has been portunity to visit Bangladesh on a implementing programs in Dolakha study tour hosted by the NSCFP. I through ECARDS. We wanted to in- wanted to focus on livelihood activ- troduce commercial farming in VDCs ities in communities, and how the such as and to help value chain approach has been ad- improve the livelihood of people opted in enterprise development. above that of subsistence farming. I observed that in Bogra, local However, we faced a number of prob- service providers were actively in- lems. The farmers were interested volved in product marketing. They in commercialisation whilst we sup- would collect whatever surplus ported them. Essential inputs such these farmers produced and sell as fertilizers and seeds were not lo- it on the market, giving the farm- cally available, and it was very dif- ers the money after deducting their ficult to wean the local people off service charge. This mechanism project support. They would call on seemed very effective for farm- our help to provide resources all ers who had very little surplus and the time. It was a real challenge to thus could not bear all the trans- orient people towards commercial action costs of taking their goods

7 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 8 to the market. Later in Dhaka, we 2008, having researched quite rig- had meeting with an NGO named orously, we decided to promote off- CATALYST, which has already season tomato cultivation amongst supported the commercialisation the farmers. We selected nine poor of farming activities in over 3,000 farmer households who had less farmer households. I learned that than 1 ropani land and who could not the commercialisation of produc- feed themselves from it for more than tion should go hand in hand with the three months per year. However, we private sector, as otherwise farmers were quite apprehensive about the might produce large quantities but be success of this initiative. We provid- unable to find the right market - and ed training in Charikot to two of the then have to sell their products at a most experienced farmers of the vil- low price. Local traders also said that lage. We also encouraged the shop- if a product was not available when keepers in Singati to supply tomato needed and as needed, they paid a seeds, as these would have much lower price. I realised that this was demand in the future. We further the gap that we should seek to fill. surveyed the small teashops and ho- On my return I shared my learn- tels there about the kind of tomatoes ing with my ECARDS colleagues, they demand for their business. They especially Renje Sherpa who was confirmed that during the monsoon, responsible for SSMP activities and when tomatoes from Kathmandu can- who had been struggling hard to not be delivered to Singati by road move the programme forward. I told (which is usually only passable in the them about the gap – about the need dry season), they have to buy them to promote the local market, iden- at a high price. So if the local farm- tifying the requirements and inter- ers could supply tomatoes during the est of potential buyers. We realised monsoon, it could fetch them a very it was necessary to create a market good profit. The two trained farmers for seeds, agricultural fertilizers and then started setting up plastic tun- tools at the small market settlement nels in the lands of the nine farmer of Singati in Lamidanda VDC, Dol- households. This programme be- akha - this would be convenient for came a huge success and the story the local farmers. ECARDS subse- was published in some newspapers quently adopted this approach. In with the headlines “tomato farming

9 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 10 beneath the mountains”. The farm- is promoted first, and even a small ers now need not worry about the amount of investment can lead to market. We learned that any busi- profit when farming is commercial- ness can succeed when its market ized.

Photo by : Two women beneath a tunnel for off season toma- Jane Carter toes plantation in Suri VDC of Dolakha District.

9 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 10 Six Steps to Success

Nawaraj Khadka

he VDCs of Gauri Mudi and Mir- lection of the product on the basis of its gey in the North–Eastern part of market potential and cost analysis, the TDolakha have a high population of development of a marketing strategy, dalits. For the past two years, ECARDS a production strategy and an action Dolakha has been working in these plan. These steps will lead any enter- VDCs, supporting natural resource prise towards success. I also realised management and improved food se- that micro-finance provision and skills curity of particularly janajati people in financial management are equally in our activities. The ECARDS team important in the sustainability of any felt the need to address the problems enterprise. of the dalits as well. In this context, I On my return to Nepal, I shared had the opportunity to participate in a what I had learned with my colleagues. study tour to Bangladesh, organised by They immediately realised the impor- the Nepal Swiss Community Forestry tance of the 6 steps of the value chain Project. I learned many things during process, micro-finance management the seven day visit, but I was especially and the promotion of a local resource impressed by the six steps in the value person. We sat together and devel- chain process that some local enter- oped an action plan for working with the prises adopted. This comprises the dalits of Gauri Mudi and Mirgey VDCs. identification of opportunities, the se- We started activities by establishing a

11 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 12 group of 35 dalit households. We asked contributed by a local cooperative and them to think of potential enterprises 10% by the LRPs. A grinding machine that they could undertake. As a result was bought which has the capacity to of brainstorming and discussion, we grind 20 kilograms of nettle leaves per concluded that four products including day. Two persons amongst the identi- - nettle leaves, cardamom, ginger and fied poor are directly involved in the turmeric - would be viable. We immedi- nettle grinding process, whilst 25 such ately started our research on resource households are employed in nettle availability, cost analysis and market collection and production. A resource survey. As a result, we concluded that person is responsible for supplying the we should start working first on the processed nettle powder to a gift shop nettle leaf enterprise. We approached in Charikot –District Headquarter of the Cottage and Small Industries De- Dolakha through a collection centre. velopment Programme, which agreed Looking back, we realise that the con- to provide training to Local Resource cept of the six steps of the value chain Persons (LRPs). ECARDS Dolakha was the key to the success of the nettle invested Rs. 50,000 on behalf of the processing enterprise. I am sure these identified poor; this comprised 70% of steps are also the key to the success of the shares. Of the balance, 20% was any other enterprise.

11 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 12 Photo by : Singati Bazaar (Market place) is a close by market for local Jane Carter products of Mudi and Mirgey VDCs.

13 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change Money from Trees

Shyam Khadka

olakha district is well known ized that community forestry in Nepal as the district of community has plenty of opportunities for timber Dforestry. Over 352 community commercialization. forests have been handed over to On returning from the seven day local communities to date. The op- Bangladesh trip, all participants in the erational plans of all these commu- India and Bangladesh study tours sat nity forests have ample provision for together for exchanges and sharing timber commercialisation. I had the of learning. We realised that nothing opportunity to visit Bangladesh as is impossible with positive thoughts. a team member to study tour organ- Now, as the project has adopted a ised by the Nepal Swiss Community cluster approach of working, there Forestry Project. As I am involved in are three clusters in Dolakha district. the community forestry sector, I was We are working to promote timber very eager to learn about community commercialisation in some selected forestry there. I observed that Com- CFUGs of the clusters. To date about munity Based Organizations (CBOs) 10-15 CFUGs have started timber in Bangladesh have acquired 10 me- commercialisation. With the income tre stretch of land on both sides of they have gained, they have decided local roads on lease for 20-25 years. to invest 25% of the income on for- They have planted trees on these est development, 35% on improving lands and earned money by selling the livelihood of the poor and 40% on the timber. Observing this, I real- community development.

After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 14 Photo by : Pit-sawing timber at the side of the Dolakha – Singati road Jane Carter

15 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 16 India Stories

Photo by : Self Help Group meeting Devanshu Chakravarti

15 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 16 Increasing Efficiency in Social Mobilization

Brahma Dhoj Gurung

SCFP operates in a multi-part- accomplish given tasks within a given nership approach. It works for the time frame, and they would only be NCFUGs through partnership with paid upon the recommendation of the various government and non-govern- respective CFUG. ment organisations, facilitators, con- The LRPs then went to villages sultants and social mobilisers. In this and started their work. After few days, context, a working plan was prepared project staff members - including my- two years ago for the institutional de- self - went to monitor their work. It was velopment of a CFUG in VDC also the time to pay them for their work, of Dolakha and to provide livelihood which required the recommendation and psycho-social support to identi- of the respective CFUGs. When the fied poor members. We planned to LRPs presented their worksheets, we train Local Resource Persons (LRP) realised that some of them had claimed from among the members of the same for a greater number of days than they CFUG so that they could provide ser- had actually worked. We discussed the vices effectively. We selected one LRP issue with the respective CFUGs and from each CFUG and all received train- the resource persons and sorted out the ing in service provision. An agreement problem. However, this kind of problem was signed with each of them before has troubled us time and again. they started work in the field. Accord- Last year I had the opportunity to ing to the agreement, they were to visit India as a participant of the study

17 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 18 tour organised by the NSCFP. During the trip I realised that development activities were focused in a cluster approach, based on area. A resource per- son was mobilized in each clus- ter. I found that they were very well organised in their working style. Every month they would visit CBOs of their respective cluster, and draw up an action plan for the month. The re- source persons were mobilized through the NGOs, which moni- tored them according to their action plan. The projects also conducted monitoring on the same basis. I felt that the adop- tion of a similar process would ease our work in Dolakha. Af- ter my return to Nepal, NSCFP started adopting the cluster ap- proach of working – something that had already been planned ahead. A resource person was mobilized in each VDC. They were recently involved in the planning of CFUG activities. I facilitated the incorporation of the action plan system into their work. Now, resource per- sons make their monthly action plan. I feel that this will ease my Microplanning at Kirgunwadi monitoring job and also simplify the work of NSCFP.

17 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 18 An Unexpected Learning

Brahma Dhoj Gurung

ur study tour to India last year nity during the study tour to India to happened during the time when observe various activities implement- ONSCFP was on the verge of start- ed by Intercooperation in the State of ing its sixth phase. Up to this point, the Andhra Pradesh. I learnt that many project had been operating for 18 years programmes were conducted focus- in all the VDCs of the project districts. ing on particular communities within For the sixth phase, the project was a specific geographical area, and that planning to work in a cluster approach as a result these programmes were and not in all VDCs. This information particularly effective in supporting pro- was already in the air. However, even poor livelihoods. Besides, working in a the project staff members were won- cluster approach eased staff travelling dering whether this approach would and management and also reduced be fruitful. The project partners were transaction costs. The surplus financial questioning the relevance of this ap- resources could be diverted to other proach when everything was going specific programmes. We pretty much fine when operating in all the VDCs of liked the way they worked in clusters the district. The political parties also and realised that it could work in our asked our criteria for selecting VDCs. working area too. After returning to Ne- We were quite aware of the attempts pal, we shared the benefits and effective- of politicians to influence and attract ness of the approach. This enhanced our project activities to their VDCs. confidence, as well as that of our partner In this context, I got the opportu- organisations, in adopting it.

19 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 20 Putting Proportional Representation into Practice

Gopal Man Thapa

uring my study tour to India, I litical candidacy depended on caste visited the field sites of MY- proportionality. DRADA. I learned that when I wanted to use this learning to working in any village, MYRADA first our recently founded organisation forms a Village Development Society for the rights of differently abled (VDS). The VDS leads all the de- people. The organization is called velopment activities of the village. I Forum of the Differently Abled for found the VDS to be a very inclusive Inclusive Development, of which body, with proportionate representa- I am the chairperson at present. tion on the basis of caste, gender, However, there is rotational pro- geography and class. They have vision for chairpersonship on the also developed a rotational system basis of gender and caste. We of chairing the VDS on the basis of have also decided on reservation caste and gender. Furthermore, the for women in at least two out of the Gram Panchayat - which is the local four key positions - namely chair- administrative body there - also has person, vice chairperson, secretary the provision of a rotational system and treasurer all of whom are dif- for the post of chairperson on the ferently able. Regarding general basis of caste and gender. The VDC membership of the working com- officials were also elected in an in- mittee, we have provision for giv- clusive and proportionate manner. I ing membership to anyone keen on was surprised to learn that even po- joining hands in the issues of dif-

19 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 20 ferently abled people. However, a is possible to have such a sort of inclu- majority of 51% of differently abled sion in our organisation. Still, the Forest persons are required in the work- Protection Committees in India have to ing committee. Their participation follow a guideline that requires 50% rep- is necessary in the four key posi- resentation of women in the committee. tions too. For general membership, Their constitution will be approved only we have the provision of 15 general after meeting this criterion. members on an inclusive and pro- I have also learned that imple- portionate basis. menting the theory of good gover- However, inclusive practices of this nance in any organisation is a daunt- kind do have challenges. As our organ- ing task. At present, we are working isation registration act did not distinctly on data collection about the different- mention the kind of proportionate rep- ly abled in the districts so that we can resentation required, the district admin- categorise and identify the genuinely istration office confused us with lots of needy ones who could receive the al- discouraging questions over whether it lowance granted by the government.

Photo by : Gram Panchayat President Addressing Members. Devanshu Chakravarti

21 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 22 Representational Leadership

Gopal Man Thapa

n order to widely disseminate the implemented in many groups within the learning from community forestry, VLDP system. This has indeed been INSCFP and the VDC of Thulach- introduced – and there are now several hap in Okhaldhunga jointly initiated a thematic networks within the VLDP oper- Village Level Development Planning ating on the basis of proportional repre- System (VLDPS). I was responsible for sentation. These networks have the pro- facilitating this process. vision of 40% representation of women. In the meantime, I also had the op- The position of coordinator is rotated portunity to visit India on a study tour on the basis of gender and caste. Like- organized by NSCFP. I observed that wise, there are nine thematic committees when starting activities in a village, the which meet annually. They also have a NGO MYRADA would first establish an Village Development Coordination Com- inclusive body called Village Develop- mittee which comprises of 21 members. ment Society, through which its de- There is reservation for 50% women in velopment activities are implemented. the committee and proportionate rep- Representation in the VDS is done pro- resentation of dalits and janajatis. They portionately, on the basis of caste, gen- also have rotational leadership. der, class and geography. The VDS is Looking at the result, we see that one of the bodies to lead village develop- the people have themselves prepared ment. Out of the 27 VDCs in this region, a Village level Development Plan 25 base their election candidacy on caste. and a three year periodic plan. This The system of rotational chairpersonship system of leadership has initiated a was very interesting; it is done taking into representational process of planning account gender and caste. VDC development. People now re- I realised that this system could be alise their rights and their power.

21 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 22 Multi-partnership : The Importance of Coordination

Ishwar Upadhaya

he NSCFP has been following chayat, etc. I was impressed to see a multi-partnership approach that the beneficiary groups imple- Tsince 1997, working with the Dis- mented the programmes themselves. trict Forest Offices, CFUGs and other This ensured ownership and sustain- groups, NGOs and the private sector. ability. Likewise, the executive com- This approach has substantially ben- mittee members of the service pro- efitted the CFUGs. viding organisations were involved Against this background, NSCFP in strategic planning of the organisa- organised a study trip to India for an tion, whilst day to day functioning was exchange of experiences on good handled by hired staff members. This governance and livelihoods at the eased the service providing mecha- community level. I observed that nism and increased the effectiveness most of the development projects op- of the programme. Similarly, Commu- erate through a multi-partnership ap- nity Resource Management Centres proach. In particular, we were able to have been established to ensure the observe Indo-Swiss participatory ac- sustainability of the programmes. I tivities in support of self management also realised that there was effec- - working in partnership with various tive coordination and good rapport service providers such as MYRADA, between the local governments, Self Help Groups, the Gram Pan- community based organisations,

23 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 24 service providing non-government returned from India. Programmes in organisations and the beneficiary 36 Village Development Committees communities. This coordination (VDCs) within the project districts are is crucial. A dynamic and capable now implemented after agreement with service providing organisation that the Village Forest Coordination Com- can work in multiple sectors such mittee (VFCC). Representatives from as health, education, forestry, vet- various sectors such as CFUGs, local erinary etc can easily earn public level organisations, political parties trust with their well trained social and other user groups come together mobilisers. in VFCC to coordinate the implementa- NSCFP is currently in its sixth tion of programs – as in India, this co- phase - which started soon after we ordination is essential.

23 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 24 Women’s Initiative

Keshav Paudel

was one of the participants in the that such small efforts by a women’s study tour to India last year. We group have made a big impact. Even I visited various programmes that women from my locality in Kathman- were implemented by Intercoopera- du could become such examples. tion. I was really impressed by the On my return, I invited five women functioning of the Self Help Groups from my neighbourhood to my place (SHG). SHG comprises a group of in Kalanki, Kathmandu and told them women from a hamlet. They have the the story of how successful women’s provision that each member should initiatives have become in India. I en- save a certain amount every month couraged them to form such groups, and that the money saved is then col- and I also indicated that I would be lectively invested in providing loans willing to support them in the en- at a very nominal rate to those in deavour. Impressed by the story, the hamlet with greatest need. They they immediately agreed to the idea. also have a working committee, the They then started circulating the in- leadership of which changes on a formation to a wider network in the rotational basis after every meeting. neighbourhood. Women from all 35 The group provides loans for income households in my community came generation purposes. They also told together. After several meetings, we us of success stories of people who decided to name their group Kalanki have received loans. Then I realised Mahila Jyoti Samuha – meaning the

25 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 26 Jyoti Group of the women from Ka- They have also established a rule lanki. They began saving, and with that one member from each of the 35 the money saved they started giv- households in the community should ing loans at a very nominal interest be involved in a community clean-up rate to those interested in starting on Saturdays. They have kept up this up some sort of income generating activity. They are also planning to activity. This was especially for shop organise blood donation campaigns keeping. Then the women’s group on an annual basis. Recently the came up with a brilliant idea and or- group has also decided to set up a ganised a blood donation programme children’s club for the offspring of the in collaboration with the blood bank. 35 households.

Self Help Group members Photo by : Jane Carter

25 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 26 Inspiration to Irrigate

Om Bahadur Karki

ell, there are few things that I could opt for vegetable farming on really learned from the study a small plot of land that I own. So I Wtour to India, and which I have bought a sprinkler and established also shared with my neighbours. Even water supply system to my veg- before this, though, my experience of etable farm. I have further plans for working as a driver for NSCFP had utilising the barren land in my vil- made me realise the importance of lage, experimenting with vegetable trees. Hence I planted trees in a field in farming there. I know that I would which I used to grow maize. need to access a market close by; During the India study tour, I otherwise I would opt for raising was attracted by the irrigation sys- livestock. In that case I would need tem that was used. I realised that some fodder, which I could grow on with a proper irrigation system, I this land if I had proper irrigation.

27 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 28 Loans for Bio-gas

Sita K.C.

ECOFUN is an umbrella organisa- members. This seemed pretty suc- tion of all CFUGs of Nepal. In Dol- cessful. I was quite impressed by Fakha district, it is working for the the idea, and shared it with my FE- rights of CFUGs in coordination with COFUN colleagues. We thought of NSCFP, the District Forest Office and replicating the scheme in a suitable other concerned agencies. In support manner. So, as a joint effort of FE- of its members, FECOFUN has been COFUN, the CFUGs and local coop- providing collateral free loans in eight eratives, we introduced a collateral VDCs of Dolakha district. free loan scheme for bio-gas plant Last year, during our study tour installation in several VDCs of Dol- to India, I observed that banks akha district. There are now some 70 are providing collateral free loans bio-gas plants in the district that have to improve the livelihood of group been supported in this manner.

27 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 28 Transparency in Practice

Subash Prasad Niraula n the process of handing over respon- ernance practices of the groups. I was sibility for forest management to local full of appreciation for this system. In the Icommunities, about 143,000 commu- context of Nepal’s CFUGs, a committee nity forest user groups (CFUGs) have is formed for auditing, or the income and been formed in the country. CFUGs are expenditure details are sanctioned during autonomous organisations. There are the general assembly. However, legally basic rules and regulations guiding their there is a clear provision for auditing to be operations, but they still need reforms in done by a recognised, registered auditor. their system of governance in order to This system of auditing is necessary to function effectively. Amongst the various get a permanent bank account number components of good governance, trans- and to buy and sell shares. Anyway, au- parency is very important - and applicable diting is one tool for transparency, but it is from planning to fund allocation to imple- not the only thing that’s necessary. Pub- mentation. However, most of the CFUGs lic hearings are also important in order in Nepal do not practice transparency to share group learning, practices and seriously. Group members complain fre- the status of funds with group members quently about corruption amongst com- and stakeholders. It is also important mittee members. People are not satisfied because CFUGs can gain appropriate with the system of auditing that was in- suggestions and guidance from the lis- troduced to check corruption, but has not teners. Thus, CFUGs and concerned been effective. local bodies are now supported to in- During my study visit to India, I ob- clude mandatory provision of both pub- served that institutions conducted joint lic hearings and public auditing in their auditing in an organised manner. This Operational Plan. We ensure that the was a demonstration of the good gov- groups follow this very strictly.

29 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 30 A Catalyst for Women’s Savings and Credit

Toran Shahi

ast year we went on a study tour had to save Rs. 20 per month. Within to Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka the next few months more members Lin India. We observed the work of were added to the group. It became an organisation called MYRADA. I was a group of 36. Gradually, the amount really impressed by how they worked saved increased, and they were in a and by their hospitality. I was also im- position to invest. So the group was pressed by their approach to savings. formally registered as an organisa- Minutes taken by them were also im- tion named Samaj Sewa Jagriti Ma- pressive. I was really inspired by their hila Rin Sahakari Sanatha - meaning activities, and hence made up my mind women’s cooperative to promote so- to convey their achievements to wom- cial welfare by providing loans. They en in Nepal. decided to use these loans for livestock When I returned to Ramechhap, rearing and fruit farming. To date there I gathered together 21 women and are 245 general members and 11 com- shared with them my experiences mittee members in the organisation. and observations from the India The organisation has allocated part of study tour. Those women were also its budget for women’s development inspired, and asked me to guide and empowerment. Sujita Shres- them. They formed a women’s group tha is the current chairperson of the with the provision that each member organisation.

29 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 30 Warm up Session Stories

Photo by : Majhi woman displaying charcoal briquettes – an Jane Carter income-generation activity supported under NSCFP

31 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 32 Kalika : the Story of a Poor Household

Anju Upadhaya

his is a story of a household in heavy work although once in a while Setidevi Muladyang CFUG, Jafey he performs as a priest during cer- TVDC. At the time the story begins, emonies and functions in the neigh- there are seven household members, bourhood. Their sons and daughters notably the father, mother and their who work in Kathmandu send them two daughters and three sons. Only a very small amount of money once one son and a daughter are living with in a while. However, relations within them. The eldest son of the family is the family are not good. The husband living in Kathmandu, earning his liv- beats his wife, scolds her and tells ing there by manual labour. His father her to leave the house. He is psycho- knows about this but his mother does logically traumatised by the severe not. They are very poor. They migrated beatings that he received from his fa- to the village from elsewhere, so they ther during his childhood, and hence are landless. They live in a hut which mistreats his own family. Kalika, his is in a fragile state. Even the land on wife, suffers much pain. which the hut stands was given to NSCFP came to know that two them by a kind local landlord. Every households were missing from the morning, the wife visits from house to membership of Setidevi Muladyang house, hoping that she will be asked CFUG. So, we headed to the VDC with to do some work so that she can make the objective of ensuring that these a living for the day. Her husband is households obtained CFUG member- physically weak, so he is unable to do ship. During our talk with Kalika, she

31 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 32 explained that her household was not made her put aside the impulse. Af- given CFUG membership because ter gaining membership of the CFUG, they were migrants from elsewhere. she has been actively participating in Hearing this, we held a number of dis- their meetings and general assembly, cussions with the executive committee something which has opened the ho- of the CFUG. We also brought both the rizon of learning for her. After many parties together and facilitated discus- visits to Kalika, we saw some changes sions. We requested to the executive in her husband too. She also disclosed committee to put themselves into the that gradually the quarrels were reduc- shoes of the poor family so that they ing. He was employed to look after the could understand the pain and troubles drinking water pipeline and would earn they have been going through. Real- some two to three hundred rupees ising this, the committee decided to monthly. Most probably this was the include them in the CFUG. However, reason for the change in the man. they gave the condition that the house- Good days last very short. Kalika’s hold should provide voluntary services husband was severely injured from to the CFUG for six months before be- a fall close by their hut, and he died coming eligible to utilise forest products due to lack of treatment. The neigh- in the same way as other members. bours proved to be very supportive We felt that this was too much for the during Kalika’s miserable times. They poor household, given that Kalika had helped her conduct his funeral and to go from household to household ev- supplied the family with grains which ery day in any case, just to earn a day’s lasted for about three months. Yet Ka- living for her family. So we talked to lika remained very depressed after the the committee again, and now Kalika’s incident. She used to cry all the time. family can use forest products just as Then we increased our visits to her. other CFUG members do. After this, The CFUG identified her as poor citing we frequently visited the household. various criteria and provided livelihood Kalika would share with us her pain support from the CFUG fund, which and sufferings. Our visits made her also included some contribution from feel that there were people who were NSCFP. Kalika bought some goats, concerned about her. She revealed which have become her main source of to us that she had thought of commit- income. She has also started to work ting suicide many times when she got again for other households. She is frustrated with the frequent quarrels at now doing much better and is emotion- home, but the thought of her children ally stronger.

33 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 34 Accounting and Accountability

Keshav Paudel, NSCFP

s finance manager to NSCFP, and details of the annual income and I accompanied the representa- expenditures. After two hours of inter- Atives of the project’s audit firm action on other issues, the committee during their field verification activities presented its income and expendi- in Ramechhap. Having completed the ture details. I realized that the group audit and inventory verification at the did not have much of a bank balance, project office in Ramechhap, our team and very little cash in hand. I also no- headed to Lyang-lyang village of Ra- ticed that they had Rs. 10,000 invest- mechhap VDC to observe some CFUG ed in a loan. We tried to discuss this activities. Coincidentally, FECOFUN but the executive committee seemed had conducted a self-monitoring and uncomfortable. This raised our sus- coaching programme with financial picions, so we wanted to explore the support of NSCFP at the Golmataar issue further. The audit firm represen- paleko CFUG that very day. We saw tative Suresh Bhatta and I asked them that the executive committee officials how much interest they gained against and identified poor members had the loan. gathered for a meeting, and we joined After much attempt from our side them. The committee presented what to explore the reality, the chairperson it had accomplished that year, such of the group eventually opened up to as support to the poorest members us. She told us the real story. About

33 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 34 five years ago, the then chairperson ones who should pressurize the person of the group had taken the amount of into paying back the amount. However, Rs. 10,000 for his personal use. Up we suggested that they hold an ex- until two years ago, none of the group ecutive committee meeting and agree members had said anything to him. between them to write a letter to the Three chairpersons changed after him. DFO and FECOFUN seeking support The issue was raised in a CFUG gen- in recovering the amount. We also sug- eral assembly two years ago, and after gested to them that they meet the of- being heavily pressurized by the mem- ficials of these organisations and talk to bers, he agreed to return the money. them face to face on the matter. However, until the time that he was They followed our suggestions. The able to pay the principle, he agreed to man was then called to the District For- pay the interest. The general assembly est Office, where he was warned that assigned responsibility for collecting legal action would be taken against him this payment to the executive com- if he did not pay back the money. With mittee. However, when the committee that, he immediately paid back half the approached him, he remained silent principle and also promised to pay the about the payment. He did not even rest on an instalment basis within one attend the general assembly that fol- year, along with interest lowed. The committee became tired of A few months after this, a member following up with him about the money. of the Tauke Danda CFUG visited the Whenever they approached him, he NSCFP office in Ramechhap. I asked would say that he had no money at the him about the recovery of the money. He time and could only pay when he had. replied that it was almost fully returned, Having explained the situation, the and that the man had been paying regu- chairperson and the secretary asked lar instalments. I was glad to hear that. I us to help. We were of the opinion that felt that our small intervention had helped it was their responsibility to invest and to resolve a big problem that the CFUG collect the group’s funds. They are the had been facing.

35 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 36 Turning Problems into Solutions

Nawaraj Khadka

e have established a new com- plants were destroyed by livestock. munity based Nepali paper fac- Realising this, the CFUGs introduced Wtory in Bonch VDC with contri- a rule to fine anyone who grazed their bution from 12 CFUGs, identified poor livestock in the area. However, it was and local entrepreneurs. This requires not possible to implement this rule as a large quantity of raw materials espe- 35 households protested against it, cially lokta and argeli but we did not saying that they would continue graz- know anything about cultivating them, ing their livestock in the area as they and thus could only harvest and protect had been doing so since long ago. This the naturally occurring plants. ECARDS incident almost led us to abandon the Dolakha realised the potential of argeli idea of argeli cultivation, but a few of farming, and, having first gained ap- our friends encouraged us and told us proval in 2003 from the CFUG general not to give up. They suggested that assembly and the working committee, we could always talk to the dissenting started such a programme in Bhitteri households. So the ECARDS team and VDC using degraded land within the the CFUG committee leadership went community forests. We planted about for a talk with the households. We iden- eight thousand saplings of argeli that tified that their main concern was the year. However, as the place was close opportunity cost of giving up their graz- to the grazing area about 80% of the ing area. They wanted an alternate.

35 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 36 Their concern was perfectly reason- On reflection, we found that this is a able. We also found that 10 households perfect working model. Failure could be out of the 35 were very poor. So we de- turned into success by giving responsi- cided to offer the responsibility of lokta bility to the ones who created the prob- plantation and management to the 35 lems. We shared this learning with 12 households, on the condition that 40% other CFUGs as a similar problem ex- of the income was channelled to the ists in other CFUGs as well. At present 10 poor households, 5% to the CFUG there are 40 subgroups in 25 CFUGs and 55% to the remaining 25 house- in Dolakha. As part of formalising these holds. As a result, they planted 9,000 sub-groups, the CFUGs have handed saplings of argeli over 1.5 hectares of over responsibilities to the sub-groups the area. As these saplings were well on a constitutional basis, allowing them looked after, 90% of them survived. to receive funds for their activities from The villagers were pretty excited with the main CFUGs and from the district the result. forest office as well.

37 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 38 Persisting in the Face of Adversity : the Story of Jhamkimaya

Sita K.C.

his is the story of Jhamkimaya a committee member, Jhamkimaya’s - a user of Mayur Gaura Com- husband got a visa to work abroad. Tmunity Forest in Melung VDC, After he left, she committed herself fur- Dolakha. Ten years ago Jhamkimaya ther to the community forestry activities. was the user of a protected forest, When her husband telephoned, he al- before it turned into Mayur Gaura ways warned her not to get involved CFUG. She was one of the active in community forestry but to stay at members during the formation of the home and do household chores. He CFUG, taking a lead role in preparing also assured her that he would send the operational plan and conducting her enough money. As Jhamkimaya the resource inventory. But her hus- was already the chairperson of the band disliked her involvement in such CFUG, she resisted his demands activities. He accused her of being ir- and said that she could not quit her responsible towards their household responsibilities. Hearing her reply, and children by getting involved in her husband threatened her, saying community forestry activities. How- that she had to choose between him ever, she did not give up and contin- and the CFUG. She replied that he ued her efforts – indeed, she became could threaten her anyway he liked, a committee member of the CFUG. but she would continue her endeav- Around the time that she became ours in the CFUG.

37 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change 38 After two years, Jhamkimaya’s agreed, she would indeed go and husband returned to Nepal. While live with them. The man was dumb- on his way home from Kathmandu, struck, and had no answer. They left he met her at Satdobato in Charikot. for home together the next day. Jhamkimaya was talking to some FE- On a subsequent occasion, Jham- COFUN members and staff from the kimaya had to come to Charikot for a district forest office. The sight was meeting at the FECOFUN office. Due enough for him. That evening, he ac- to his suspicious nature, her husband cused her of trying to cheat on him came along too. Jhamkimaya showed in his absence. She tried to convince him around and explained that this is the him by saying that the men he saw are place at which she meets other CFUG people with whom she has to work, members and people concerned with and that they have done much for the community forestry. It is the place from betterment of Mayur Gaura CFUG. which they get advice and assistance But her husband was not convinced in promoting their forests. She also in- and harshly told her that she had bet- troduced him to all the FECOFUN staff. ter live with those men and not with After that day, he became close to the him. Tired, and offended by his ac- FECOFUN staff. He now understands cusations, she provoked him by chal- and supports his wife. He even admits lenging him to say the same to her in to being proud of Jhamkimaya for her front of all those men. If those men efficient chairing of the CFUG till date.

39 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change (i) Annex A Participants who undertook the study tour to Bangladesh Anju Upadhaya Forest Development Officer NSCFP Bhawana Shrestha Vice Chairperson Ford Nepal, Okhaldhunga Bhuwan Shrestha Secretary Srijaansil Yuwa Samaj Dhurba Man Pradhan Administration Manager NSCFP Dil Bahadur Hayu Support Staff NSCFP Indra Subedi Forester DFO, Dolakha Kajiram Thapa Magar Support Staff NSCFP Kamal Prasad Neupane Program Officer Likhudemba, Okhaldhunga Mitha Ram Lamichhane Driver NSCFP Nawaraj Khadka Field Coordinator ECARDS Ram Ekwaal Jaiswaal Assistant Forest Officer DFO, Ramechhap Shyam Khadka Field Supervisor NSCFP

Participants who undertook the study tour to India Brahma Dhoj Gurung Area Manager NSCFP Gopal Man Thapa Secretary FECOFUN, Okhaldhunga Ishwar Prasad Upadhaya Forest Development Officer NSCFP Keshav Raj Paudel Finance Manager NSCFP Manamaya Moktan Forest Development Officer NSCFP Om Bahadur Karki Driver NSCFP Ram Kumar Shrestha Secretary Janakalyan Sewa Samiti, Ramechhap Sita KC Secretary FECOFUN, Dolakha Subash Niraula Forester DFO, Okhaldhunga Toran Shahi Forester DFO, Ramechhap

39 After the Study Tour : Stories of Change (i) Annex B : Story Telling

tory telling might seem to be very simple – too simple to require any descrip- tion. It is also to some extent an art; some people are naturally better at tell- Sing stories than others. There are nevertheless clear techniques that can be learned for telling a good story, whether the intention is purely for entertainment or for professional purposes As part of its support for knowledge management and sharing, SDC (in col- laboration with field practitioners, including Intercooperation) has elaborated a story telling guide. This can be downloaded at: http://www.deza.admin.ch/ressources/resource_en_155620.pdf. The workshop broadly followed the suggestions set out in this guide, adapted as necessary according to experience and the local context. Since it is far easier to tell stories in one’s mother tongue, this was the practice followed, and one that is recommended unless there are strong reasons for using a different language - and the persons concerned are fluent in it. A few of the advantages of using story telling for knowledge exchange are as follows: • People are often more comfortable expressing themselves vocally than in written form; this was certainly true in this particular case • The act of telling stories in a structured manner can serve to help the teller to reflect more deeply about what happened, and on change processes • Stories often highlight changes in attitudes or behaviours • Stories are often a good way of sharing experiences in a manner to which other can readily relate • People tend to remember stories better than simple dry facts. A number of important points to bear in mind when using story telling in a professional context are listed below. • Truthfulness: Stories must be based on the truth, even if the telling of them has to be simplified to put across a message. It should be possible to verify the story through a field visit, or other means.

(ii) After the Study Tour : Stories of Change (iii) • Simplicity: Narrators often provide too many details, especially when setting the context. Just enough should be said to permit the listener to imagine the situation without being over-loaded with unnecessary information. • Clear, single message: It is important to decide on the message of the story, and to tell it from this angle (even if the story can also be used to illustrate a variety of other points). Complexity reduces story impact. • Concise: Stories work best when kept quite short; the aim at this particular workshop was to speak for no more than 4 minutes (although this can be quite difficult) • Gradual or sudden realisation of change: The SDC guide emphasises the need to identify a “turning point” in the story – the point at which a change was made. However, some stories do not necessarily contain such a point - the realisation on the part of the narrator (and listener) can also be gradual. • Title: A good story title can intrigue, and help to focus the mind of the lis- tener. More detailed hints and suggestions can be found in the story telling guide.

(ii) After the Study Tour : Stories of Change (iii) A man in Bangladesh cuts bamboo for variety of products

lokta paper at Charikot Nepal

Carpentary- Bangladesh

(iv) After the Study Tour : Stories of Change (v) Harvested rice- Bangladesh

Microplanning at Hangarga India

Newly nominated inclu- sive executive committee for a CFUG in Suri, Nepal

(iv) After the Study Tour : Stories of Change (v) Villagers -Bangladesh

Weaver women- Bangladesh

Woman secretary of a CFUG in Suri Nepal taking minutes of General Assembly

(vi) After the Study Tour : Stories of Change Further information .an be obtained from:

POB113, Ekanlakuna, LallPUr, NePal TeLephone+977-1-5551702 Fax +977'1'5551741 Emal:adm@nscfp ors.np Lnlermope6tonNepa [email protected] ci

SwissAgencylorDeveLopmenl and Cooperation wwsdc olg np