Allo (Himalayan giant nettle)

Allo [more about Allo] is the most important and sacred plant for Kulung community of the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal - their ancestors extracted fibre from allo and made cloth to cover their body and so the plant is deemed extremely pure and blessed, and to date remains indispensable in all rituals from birth to death ceremony. These communities are still widely considered the best allo weavers and knitters of the country. For the last 20 years, many I/NGOs conducted income generating and micro development programs for the communities. Many local producers received trainings on improved allo cloth weaving, knitting and design and subsequent to these capacity building trainings, many have enhanced their skill at the production level. The work of the NGOs have undoubtedly provided positive opportunities for these communities and work is still on-going, but there is still room for improvement, especially in relation to micro-financing, basic research on allo processing and technological aspects.

Himalaya Natural Fibre Foundation (HNFF) is committed to develop locally found natural fibres into thriving micro enterprises as effective livelihood development strategy and a powerful empowerment and conservation tool for the rural communities of Nepal. HNFF is a community-based organization that provides a local networking forum, information, and a voice to promote enterprise opportunity for communities who have limited resources.

Women and natural fibres

Women in Nepal are actively involved in the use and management of natural resources. Natural fibres have been collected, harvested and weaved by Nepali women for centuries. This traditional way of life is now enabling women to build better lives for their families through profitable enterprises.  The Himalayan Natural Fibre Foundation is working to link together these micro-enterprises in order to provide these women support and guidance to become self reliant.