Kathmandu, Nepal - August 14, 2025 - Over three days, from 12-14 August, Kathmandu became a vibrant hub of agricultural knowledge exchange and collaboration as the Family Farming Regional Platform - Interregional Dialogues concluded successfully. The event brought together leaders, policymakers, farmer representatives, and agricultural experts from 12 countries across Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, united in their mission to strengthen family farming as the foundation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.

Jointly organized by the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), the Nepal Agricultural Cooperative Central Federation Ltd. (NACCFL), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Nepal, the conference centered on the theme “Family Farming and Inclusive Rural Transformation: Innovations for Sustainable Development in a Climate Change Context.”

Celebrating Nepal's Family Farming Heritage

At the heart of the dialogue was Nepal’s own rich tradition of family farming- a vital lifeline for rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and local economies. In Nepal, family farmers, particularly women, youth, and marginalized groups, are key custodians of food security and cultural heritage.

Inaugurated by Hon. Ramnath Adhikari, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, the opening session featured high-level participation from parliamentary leaders, national policy makers, FAO representatives, and farmer organization leaders. Distinguished speakers included Hon. Kusum Devi Thapa, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources; Dr. Deepak K. Kharal, Secretary (Livestock Sector) MoALD, Mr. Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Nepal and Bhutan, Mr. Khem Bahadur Pathak, Chairperson of NACCFL and other distinguished guest speakers.

Showcasing Global and Regional Innovations

The event highlighted innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges family farmers face, particularly in the context of climate change. The sessions showcased best practices from across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean-ranging from digital technologies for agriculture, inclusive market access strategies, and agroecological practices to policy innovations that improve access to finance and strengthen cooperative movements.

Mr. Luiz Beduschi, Senior Policy Officer, FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, shared insights on innovation and sustainability in family farming to promote interregional dialogue. Dr. Rudra Bahadur Shrestha, General Manager of NACCFL, presented Nepal’s family farming experience, emphasizing cooperative-led approaches, climate resilience, and improved market access.

Key thematic discussions included:

1.Digital technologies for family farming and inclusive business model

2. Promote inclusive access to markets

3. Agroecological and Climate Resilient Agricultural technologies

4. Access to credit and financial services

On the second day, participants visited Women’s Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Ltd. in Kebalpur, Dhading, where they met with women-led family farmers, including Sabitri Aryal of Thakre Municipality. The visit provided a first-hand look at how community-driven initiatives are advancing local food systems, generating livelihoods, and preserving traditional farming practices.

Strengthening Partnerships and Policy Action

The dialogue fostered cooperation, facilitating exchanges between countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The discussions culminated in a wrap-up session, where participants shared regional priorities and innovations to inform the upcoming Global Forum on Family Farming.

Expected outcomes from the event include:

Increased visibility of successful family farming innovations.

Strengthened regional and interregional collaboration for rural transformation.

Policy recommendations to guide national and regional strategies.

Contributions to global platforms such as the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF) and the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

NACCFL's Crucial Role in UNDFF

As the Secretariat of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF)  in Nepal 2019-2028, NACCFL has been playing a pivotal role in advancing family farming agendas at both policy and grassroots levels. With the cooperation and support of the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), several key initiatives have been implemented in collaboration with local governments across the country.mo

Through its coordination efforts, NACCFL has strengthened the voice of smallholder farmers, promoted cooperative-based solutions, and facilitated strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable, climate-resilient rural transformation. These initiatives have focused on enhancing farmers’ access to markets, finance, and technology; promoting climate-smart agricultural practices; and supporting women and youth leadership within the family farming sector.