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<\/a>Key programs halted<\/strong><\/p>\n In Nepal, the cuts halted key support programs such as initiatives to improve access to seeds, fertilizers, agricultural tools and sustainable agricultural resources. The programs had focused on increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening market systems, and boosting nutrition, especially for smallholder farmers facing climate and economic challenges. A key aim had been to transition growers from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. With the disappearance of the programs, farmers fear they will be pushed deeper into poverty.<\/p>\n In Rajali\u2019s household, she is the sole breadwinner. Her husband, 60, has been ill from a relapse of tuberculosis. Their older son, 27, is unable to speak due to mental health challenges. Their younger son, 23, experiences fainting spells. To support her family, Rajali also works in the village as a laborer, struggling to provide the most basic nutrition for her loved ones as they survive on 500 rupees (about US$3.64) a day. But she says laborer work isn\u2019t always available.<\/p>\n Agriculture makes up nearly a quarter of Nepal\u2019s economy and employs 66% of all workers \u2014 most of them women, according to the United Nations World Food Programme. While smallholder farmers like Rajali grow up to 80% of the country\u2019s food, low yields have led to a 65% rise in food imports since 2015 and many rural families can\u2019t feed themselves year-round. Yet the government allocates just 3% of its budget to the agriculture sector, findings from Democracy Resource Center Nepal indicate. The Nepal Living Standards Survey from 2022 to 2023 shows while there was a significant reduction in poverty over 12 years, 20.3% of the population lives below a new poverty line established with a higher standard.<\/p>\n Meeting Nepal\u2019s poverty reduction goals in the coming years will be challenging because of the loss of USAID funding, says Ram Krishna Shrestha, a joint secretary within Nepal\u2019s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.<\/p>\n \u201cThese programs have strengthened the capacity of farmers. They have been able to earn a living, produce independently and manage markets,\u201d he says, describing how some farmers not only fed their families, but improved their livelihoods.<\/p>\n Malnutrition will increase and farmers will become poorer as a result of the funding loss, Shrestha says.<\/p>\n Keshav Devkota, head of the Centre for Crop Development and Agricultural Bio-diversity Conservation, part of Nepal\u2019s agriculture ministry, says the center no longer will be able to promote indigenous seed varieties that were developed to be climate-resistant and aimed at reducing malnutrition.<\/p>\n Rukmangat Bhattarai, chairman of Rainadevi Chhahara, the rural municipality where Rajali\u2019s family lives, says knowing USAID funding no longer will be available has officials concerned and considering what steps to take next. In part, the aid had helped farmers who grow oranges, including with support when it came to bringing the produce to market.<\/p>\n<\/a>