This project focuses on six districts in the Mid-Western and Far-Western development regions of Nepal. The majority of the activities will be implemented through private sector actors who have high interest in a reliable supply chain and strengthened market linkages to cater for market demand. The project has three desired outcomes:

• Improving production and manufacturing practices, with a focus on sustainability and marketability of products.

• Strengthening the capacities of Government offices, private association’s and locals to coordinated project-related activities.

• Improving market access for value‑added products to priority export destinations through collective marketing and branding.

Results

• 55 members have joined the Jadibuti Association of Nepal (JABAN) through five district chapters, indicating a huge growth of the Association’s attractiveness to the traders.

• JABAN has developed the final draft Code of Conduct and buy-back guarantee guidelines to get strong commitment from its members, buyers and traders to only procure sustainably harvested products.

• 12 social mobilizers (50% women) have been hired to promote the production of medicinal and aromatic plants at the community level.

• 3 herbs-based companies participated on a cost-sharing basis at an international trade fare for organic products in Germany.

• 3 private companies participated in the Food Ingredients Europe industry gathering in France.

• Through the support of the German Government, two companies have signed agreements to collaborate with traders in order to export high‑value medicinal plants and ginger to Europe.