Himalayan Community Development Forum (HICODEF).

The Himalayan Community Development Forum (HICODEF) is an organisation specialising in integrated community development. It aims to empower the vulnerable groups, such as the poor, disabled and socially excluded men, women and children, through participatory activities. Initially, it focused on the northern areas of Nawalparasi district, but has now expanded into 4 further districts.

HICODEF envisages a society where everyone can lead their lives in dignity, free of discrimination, exploitation, and poverty. It aims to work towards this through community empowerment. The organisation also undertakes social research and advocacy based on its participatory work, and provides various training programmes for the community and for local institutions.

Women’s Development Initiative

HICODEF hopes to empower women through this project, thereby also improving the economic position of poor families. The objectives are to raise women’s levels of education and their awareness of the importance of health, hygiene and nutrition.

Beginning with the creation of eighteen groups, and in each group members decided how they wanted to improve their economic situation – for example, through animal husbandry, vegetable farming etc. HICODEF then provided support in the form of seeds or young animals. Groups were also trained in the importance of education, health, sanitation, and nutrition.

Health and Livelihoods Programme

Run by a consortium of organisations, this project covers 11 districts and aims to reach 18% of Nepal’s population. The project works to improve socio-economic conditions for vulnerable people and those affected by Maoist conflict. Specific objectives are to increase access to essential healthcare, services and livelihood opportunities through activities such as, a health camp for vulnerable people; vocational training in skills such as blacksmithing & furniture-making; and supporting agriculture with irrigation and market gardening.