The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed an agreement for additional funding of NOK 6,072,923 (estimated USD 612,437; estimated NPR 86.48 million) to the Energy for Food/ Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) project. The new funding will enhance Nepal’s Mid-Day School Meals Programme in Jumla through the promotion of indigenous crops, expanding outreach, and supporting the productive use of energy under the home-grown school feeding approach. 

H. E. Ms. Dagny Mjøs, Ambassador-Designate of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, and Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP Nepal Resident Representative, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Under the agreement, the RERAS project will support key interventions within the Home-Grown School Feeding initiatives, including supporting and linking local farmers’ groups to 68 schools to supply locally grown produce, and promoting clean energy solutions in 30 schools in Jumla until June 2027.

In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), the project will scale up climate-resilient agriculture practices to ensure daily nutritious midday meals in schools. It will also enhance access to clean energy by constructing or rehabilitating selected school kitchens using eco-bricks and introducing Metallic Improved Cooking Stoves (MICS) and induction cookstoves. With additional funds, UNDP aims to strengthen local food systems by supporting local governments initiatives that link farmers’ groups to school. This will provide reliable markets for climate resilient agriculture farming and ensure fresh, nutritious meals for schoolchildren.

“The Norwegian Embassy is pleased to extend additional support to UNDP Nepal in its joint efforts with WFP to enhance access to clean energy and ensure nutritious mid-day meals for schoolchildren in Nepal. Through collaboration with UNDP- a trusted implementing partner, we are confident that this contribution will strengthen resilient, local food systems and empower communities through sustainable energy solutions. This initiative reflects Norway’s continued commitment to advancing climate-resilient development, improving livelihoods, and addressing multidimensional poverty through a collaborative efforts of UN agencies in Nepal.” said H. E. Ms. Dagny Mjøs, Ambassador-Designate of the Norwegian Embassy.

This partnership reflects our shared vision of strengthening local food systems and improving the nutrition of schoolchildren in Nepal’s most remote communities. By linking local farmers to schools and introducing clean energy solutions, we are not only ensuring healthy, home-grown meals but also creating reliable markets for climate-resilient agriculture. Together with the Government of Nepal, Norway, WFP and local partners, UNDP is committed to scaling up renewable energy solutions that empower communities and leave no one behind,” said Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP Nepal Resident Representative.

Since its inception in July 2023, the Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) project has been supporting selected local governments in Karnali, Sudur Paschim, and Bagmati Provinces to enhance food and nutrition security. By leveraging reliable and affordable energy for production, irrigation, processing, storing, packaging, and marketing of locally grown farm products, the project aims to directly support 10,000 households and improve access to clean energy over 150,000 people. This aligns with UNDP's Global Strategy to address multidimensional poverty.

For further information, please contact: 
Monica Upadhyay, Head of Communication,
United Nations Development Programme, Nepal, 
monica.upadhyay@undp.org, 977-9841343953