The Far-Western Tarai has potential for economic development: extensive areas of productive farm land, water resources, forest areas all with potential for commercial commodities and a large labour force. Additionally, the transport infrastructure has greatly improved in the lowlands and the adjacent hills over the past decade. Border towns such as Mahendranagar and Dhangadi provide market access to India. However, significant technical, social, economical and management challenges need to be overcome to develop the local economy.

INCOME, EMPLOYMENT AND ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME (ELAM-PLUS)

The Elam-plus project works for income, employment and enterprise development in the Far-Western Tarai. It supports enterprising initiatives in the farming and non-farming economy with a clear focus on the socially and economically most disadvantaged people. This is achieved by building on best practices and experiences in the area and through a coordinated development effort among actors.

OUTCOMES

Increased income and employment from enterprising activities in the non-farm sector Increased income and employment from enterprising activities in the farming sector Development of a local service provider system accessible to socially and economically disadvantaged people Enhance hill-tarai market linkage for rural product promotion

PRESENT STATUS

• Development of local Enterprise Service Providers (ESP) who help interested persons to initiate a micro enterprise or improve their income in small towns and market places

• Group enterprising, sub contracting approach and informal skill transfer to access the disadvantaged group in economic activity; Common Facility Sharing (CFS) for skill training

• Development of Local Resources Persons (LRP) who help farming groups to initiate or improve marketable cash commodities (e.g. fish farming, river bed farming, banana production)

• Support to coherent efforts among development organizations in developing specific sectors and in an overall more programmatic approach to local development in the district

• Initiation of a local fund which will be accessible to demand farmer groups or enterprises for hiring the support of ESP or LRP

• Selected support to local advocacy organizations to strengthen the voice and institutions supporting socially and economically disadvantaged people.

PARTNERSHIP

The project started in 2004 and is gradually expanding its outreach and partnerships.

• Micro-entrepreneurs and farming groups are the main clients

• ESPs and LRPs are gradually establishing themselves as local service providers

• Local banks and other financial institutions for linkage to financial markets

• Coordination with Chamber of Commerce, private enterprises, municipalities, DDCs and line agencies

• Partnership with producer groups, local NGOs, CBOs and other actors as required for each sector

FUNDING

About CHF 350,000 per year from Helvetas/DFID partnership funds.

Contact Details

Elam Plus Programme

Bhaibedi-2, Bhangadhi, Kailali

Tel: + 977 91-521038

Fax: + 977 91- 520861

E - mail: elamlus@helvetas.org.np