KOICA Concluded $4.7 Million Integrated Rural Development Project in Nepal

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EDUCAST, The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with Korea Development Strategy Institute (KDS) Consortium and Dhulikhel Hospital, has successfully concluded its five-year project titled “Empowering Rural Communities in Nepal through an Integrated Approach to Health and Income Growth”. The initiative, with a total investment of USD 4.7 million, aimed to improve the quality of life in rural Nepal through enhanced healthcare and sustainable income generation.

The closing ceremony was held at the Square Hotel in Kathmandu Valley, gathering around 150 stakeholders, including representatives from Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, federal and local governments, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, KOICA Nepal Office, Dhulikhel Hospital, and civil society organizations.

The project was implemented across four outreach centers of Dhulikhel Hospital, spanning the districts of Tanahun, Sindhupalchowk, and Kavrepalanchok. It focused on developing agricultural infrastructure such as collection centers, demonstration farms, and transportation facilities, while also providing training to strengthen farmer organizations. Additionally, it introduced entrepreneurship and vocational training programs for non-farming rural residents.

In the health sector, two new health centers under Dhulikhel Hospital were constructed and fully equipped. Local health workers and students received extensive training. Community-led committees played a pivotal role in enhancing both healthcare access and economic development, creating a strong sense of ownership and cohesion within the communities.

Mr. Kong Mooheon, Country Director of KOICA Nepal Office, emphasized the synergy of linking agriculture and health to build resilient rural communities.

Dr. Biraj Man Karmacharya of Dhulikhel Hospital expressed gratitude towards all implementing partners and highlighted the project’s visible impact at the ground level. He urged for the project’s continuation and expansion, citing rising demand from the beneficiaries.

Dr. Yoon Haejin, Project Leader from KDS, shared heartfelt reflections, noting that despite COVID-19 challenges, the project achieved notable outcomes thanks to committed staff, strong local government support, and active community engagement.

Since 1991, the Republic of Korea has been a long-standing development partner to Nepal through KOICA, contributing over USD 200 million in sectors such as health, vocational training, IT, and rural development. Nepal’s status as a Core Partnership Country for 15 consecutive years reflects the enduring strength of Korea-Nepal bilateral ties.