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DAHARAMPANI, NEPAL — Nestled in the forested hills above the Seti River, the small community of Daharampani has welcomed our guests for over 10 years. In December 2008, Country Walkers initiated a giving back program, called the “Good Farming Project.”
Much like the inspiration for the Patacancha Project in Peru, our guests were moved to give back to the villagers of this small community. Working with the local “Mother’s Group” (the women of the village who oversee all community projects) and our Nepalese guides, we identified a sustainable project which supports their agricultural heritage. Since the village, located in the Tanuhan district of Nepal, is quite remote and only accessible by a steep, 1.5 mile path from the river, it does not benefit from main stream tourism. Set on a beautiful mountain top, the village enjoys views over the entire valley and the Seti River. While the lifestyle is quite simple, there is a strong focus on education (the village boasts both a primary and high school) and a strong community spirit. With approximately 300 residents, the community’s main income is derived from farming. The residents sell crops at local markets located three and six hours distance. Since many of the men of the village work in nearby cities, the majority of the farm work is done by the women and children.
“Good Farming Project” funds are used to purchase and raise goats for the village; the villagers breed and raise the goats for milk, meat, and hides. Additionally, the funds are used to purchase fencing materials, feed, vaccinations, and animal husbandry training for the “Mother’s Group.” Families in need (families with one parent, an ill parent, or a disabled child) were the first recipients of the goats. The families are expected to breed the goats and “pay back” a goat to the “Good Farming Project”, thus maintaining the program’s sustainability. The project will be closely monitored by our local guides, and our guests who visit during our Nepal tour.
This new project is in celebration of our 30th anniversary, and in recognition of the many worldwide communities that graciously welcome us.
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