The Women Empowerment Centre (WEC) has initiated an innovative livelihood project in Prasauni village, Nawalpur District, aimed at empowering women from the indigenous Tharu and Magar communities through sustainable and eco-friendly practices. With generous support from Fondation Loom, Tewa Women’s Fund Nepal, and Madhya Bindu Municipality, the initiative focuses on transforming agricultural waste specifically banana stems into valuable resources that generate income and environmental benefits.
From February to April 2025, banana stems collected from 2 hectares of farmland were processed, preventing approximately 440 tons of agricultural waste from being discarded. The extracted fiber is now being used to produce a range of environmentally friendly products such as bags, mats, and keyrings. Additionally, 25 women received hands-on training in vermicomposting, utilizing the leftover stem residue to produce organic fertilizer. By August 2025, the project aims to generate at least 100 kg of compost, further contributing to sustainable farming practices in the community. This initiative not only provides livelihood opportunities for rural women but also serves as a scalable model for circular economy and climate-resilient development in rural Nepal.
The project directly benefited 55 women, organized into two training groups, and indirectly reached 55 households through local farmers and community members. It successfully achieved 80% awareness in environmental education, fostering a strong understanding of ecological issues. As a result, marketable green products have emerged, supporting the growth of women-led entrepreneurship.
WEC is excited for the continuation of Banana Fiber and Livelihood Project. In the first year, the focus was on fiber production and strengthening local processing capacity. The second year will serve as a prototype phase, emphasizing product development, branding, and market linkage to support income generation. This project aims to promote sustainable livelihoods, zero-waste innovation, and women’s economic empowerment.
