Prolinnova Nepal is taking a strategic step to expand its network and broadening its horizon at the provincial level. Till now, Prolinnova Nepal has been more or less active around Kathmandu and Chitwan districts. In this regard, the Asia Regional Coordinator (Sharad Rai) visited headquarters of Ilam district (one of the hill districts of Eastern Nepal known as the leading tea, spices and fruit producing area. He met with Yogendra Man Shrestha Principal of Ilam Community Agriculture Campus and one of the CP members who is trained in PID and actively involved in contributing towards Prolinnova initiative in the past. He arranged for a meeting with NGO representatives from Nepal Community Development Centre (NCDC) and Shaya Yatra Nepal (a women development focused NGO) and they have shown interest to join the Prolinnova fraternity with Yogendra as the focal person representing Ilam and the whole eastern province. The immediate plan, in order to establish an active network, is to provide orientation on the overall Prolinnova initiative and PID (Participatory Innovation Development) training for key stakeholder representatives at the district level. This workshop will be followed by NGO members and students documenting local innovations and taking part in the promotion of local innovation. Integration of PID can also be explored in existing projects. The next short term plan is to establish a network at the provincial level with representation from other potential districts with Ilam as the centre.
Prepared by Sharad Rai, Regional Coordinator for Asia
