Nepal Nutrition and Market Systems Nexus: Unlocking Partnerships for Better Nutrition Across Nepal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Thinley Doma Ghale, iDE Communications Officer (tghale@ideglobal.org)
Kathmandu, Nepal, 30 May 2025 – iDE Nepal proudly hosted the Nutrition and Market Nexus Summit: Unlocking Partnerships for Better Nutrition, a landmark full-day event bringing together policymakers, development leaders, private sector pioneers, and community champions. The Summit aimed to accelerate Nepal’s journey towards improved nutrition outcomes by fostering innovative, market-driven approaches and building inclusive partnerships.
Distinguished speakers, including Elizabeth Welch, CEO of iDE, and Prof. Dr. R.P. Bichha, National Planning Commission Member and Chief Guest, highlighted Nepal’s commitment to addressing nutrition in Nepal.
A powerful keynote address was delivered by Nanda Pariyar, an iDE Nutrition Sales Agent, who shared her personal story of transformation through grassroots entrepreneurship. “When women like me are equipped with knowledge and tools, we don’t just build businesses – we build healthier futures for our families and neighbors,” Nanda said.
The Summit featured over 30 vibrant stalls, each showcasing locally made innovations from across Nepal. These stalls, part of the Nutrition Market Expo, created an engaging and interactive environment where participants could experience firsthand the power of market-led solutions. The expo not only highlighted local entrepreneurship but also facilitated networking between small and medium enterprises (SMEs), investors, policymakers, and partners committed to driving change.
Key thematic sessions covered:
Market-Driven Solutions for Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture: Showcasing innovative, scalable practices that directly enhance maternal and child health.
Engaging the Private Sector and Financial Services: Highlighting inclusive financing and business models to expand access to nutritious, affordable food.
Enabling Policy and Partnerships: Focusing on multi-sector collaboration, gender equity, and integrating nutrition into national policies and programs.
Prof. Dr. R.P. Bichha, Member, National Planning Commission, Chief Guest of the event, emphasized “The nexus between nutrition and markets is not merely about trade—it’s a matter of social welfare and social science. As we implement MSNP III, transforming the food system is crucial. From pre-production to supply, every step matters in ensuring safe, nutritious food reaches every household.”
“During a recent visit to communities where the Mother Child Well-Being project is being implemented, I saw firsthand the power of local partnerships—with municipalities, mother’s groups, agrovets, health centers, and small businesses. Mothers proudly showed me their POSHAN gardens, growing diverse, nutritious food right at home. It’s more than knowledge—it's action, ownership, and real change.” said Prajuna K.C., Country Director of iDE Nepal. “This Summit is a call to action for everyone–from agribusinesses and banks to communities and policymakers–to work together for a healthier Nepal.”
Sharon Eubank, Humanitarian Director of Latter-Day Saint Charities, emphasized the power of collaboration, We believe in the dignity of every vulnerable child and the power of the next generation. That’s why we’ve invested in strengthening Nepal’s Poshan network—so that no child is left behind. This work is not just about food—it’s about hope, opportunity, and a future where every child has the chance to thrive.”
The event concluded with a networking session and final interactions with exhibitors, leaving participants inspired and energized to scale impactful partnerships and innovations that can reshape Nepal’s nutrition landscape.
About iDE Nepal: iDE Nepal is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to ending poverty through the power of entrepreneurship. Working in agriculture, sanitation, climate resilience, and gender equity, iDE Nepal empowers small-scale entrepreneurs and builds robust market ecosystems, enabling low-income and marginalized communities to prosper.
Learn more about iDE Nepal here.
About iDE
iDE's mission is to end global poverty, and we believe catalyzing the power of local markets is the best way to do this. We work with local entrepreneurs who connect underserved, last-mile markets with products and services that enable people to move up the economic ladder, and that contribute to their wellbeing. Rather than providing cookie-cutter “solutions” that only last for the short term, iDE spends the time required to really understand problems and to co-develop lasting solutions adapted to each context. We work in the sectors of agriculture, WASH, and nutrition across 12 countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and we have impacted more than 40 million people to date.