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BENEFICIARY
FEEDBACK
Naichal, Bhaktapur
19th May 2016
The Good
•
People gave two reasons for interest in growing herbs; more money and for
medicinal value; and they can be grown on various types of land and soil quality;
•
People were glad to learn more about herbs and especially wild herbs; it was
pointed out that wild herbs could increase incomes; the importance about
identifying correct herbs was raised;
•
People liked the idea of a local community mobiliser as this would make
communication easier;
The Good (continued)
•
Follow-up training and technical support were valued. People felt knowledge
could be forgotten so a refresher is useful. Would like to receive ongoing technical
inputs if people had concerns; and people said they would like to know how to
improve soil quality and how to plant herbs;
•
People felt Herb Nepal was more secure than middleman due to technical training
and support; and that middleman just look for their own profits.
The Bad
•
The only suggestion to the programme was that Herb Nepal could organise
collection and transportation of herbs;
The unexpected
•
During the ‘Drama for Farmer’ session while the Organic Champion applied
Comfrey packs the level of positive engagement and interest in learning from
participants was clearly demonstrated;
•
There was a curiosity about market prices in the group; people where unsure
about where they could take herbs or sell them;
•
People shared their experiences about using middlemen, and reported that they
felt vulnerable at the market and that the middleman would take advantage of
this.
The unexpected (continued)
•
People felt that small cash payments from Herb Nepal was manageable but they
felt vulnerable carrying larger amounts of money; they advised that a mobile
phone payment or cheque would be preferable in this case.
What next?
•
A value chain analysis will be conducted in each area which will highlight the
potential for Herb Nepal to have a localised herbal collection centre; an analysis is
currently taking place in Timal for this same purpose.
•
A farmer-led participatory feedback mechanism will be created as part of the SC
programme.