From Survival to Surplus, Savings and Self-Confidence
Kavita was a subsistence farmer whose household relied on traditional farming practices for their survival. Her family of four lacked a stable source of income and faced continuous financial difficulties. There were very few opportunities to set aside any funds to save for the future.
The family purchased their vegetables from the local market, where most of the vegetables were chemically treated. Kavita had concerns about the quality and health impact of these vegetables, but had no other option but to purchase and consume them.
In 2025, Kavita joined a women farmer’s group as part of the program. She was elected as the secretary of the group. As she received training on home gardening, livestock rearing, gender awareness, group strengthening and leadership development training, she gained confidence and hope that her family’s situation would improve.
Kavita began cultivating vegetables systematically on approximately one kattha of land (about .08 acres) and she has also started small-scale goat rearing at home. She now produces a variety of fresh, nutritious, and pesticide-free vegetables for her family to eat and has also recently earned NPR 2,550 $16.75) through the sale of surplus produce.
Since the family no longer needs to buy vegetables from the market, their expenses have decreased. In addition, Kavita has started participating in her group’s savings activities, setting aside NPR 100 ($0.65) each month. Group members can take loans from their shared savings in the case of an emergency or to start or expand small businesses.
Kavita says, “After receiving the training, I started vegetable farming and goat rearing. Now, my family is able to consume our own fresh and healthy produce. We are also managing to save some money received from vegetable sales. This has increased my self-confidence.”
In the future, she plans to further expand goat rearing and make vegetable farming more systematic and commercial. Through this, she hopes to strengthen her family’s economic condition and inspire other women in the community.
Nepal Dhanpalthan is led by Mennonite Central Committee and local partner SAHAS Nepal (Group of Helping Hands)