Project “FAITH” (Food Available in The Home)

An agricultural approach for self-reliant and sustainable development process of the DLRCs and marginalized communities

Project FAITH (Food Available in The Home) stands as one of DidiBahini’s key initiatives in promoting self-reliant and sustainable livelihoods among Development, Learning and Resource Centers (DLRCs) and marginalized communities. Through this initiative, communities were supported to utilize locally available resources for small-scale agro-based and micro-enterprises, contributing to both household food security and income generation. Mobilizing social mobilizers and DLRC members, the project successfully demonstrated practical approaches such as rooftop farming, organic vegetable production, and the productive use of limited or fallow land, creating replicable models within communities.

With an initial investment of NPR 5,000 per project, each of the four DLRCs implemented two micro-projects through a matching fund approach. The revolving fund mechanism enabled the recovery of initial capital within a year, while profits were reinvested into further production and expansion, ensuring sustainability of the initiative. FAITH gained particular relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic, when disruptions in food systems and livelihoods highlighted the urgent need for localized food production and economic resilience. The project contributed to addressing potential food insecurity and nutritional challenges, especially among vulnerable groups.

By promoting indigenous knowledge and traditional farming practices alongside innovative small-scale production methods, FAITH strengthened community capacity to produce, store, and manage food resources effectively. Beyond economic outcomes, the project played a transformative role in shifting community mindsets from dependency towards self-reliance, while fostering a deeper understanding of the interdependence between people, land, and food systems. Through this approach, FAITH has contributed to empowering communities to become more resilient, financially sustainable, and better prepared to face future challenges.