1Research & Development
Conducting researches on better technologies for natural fibre harvesting and processing, including high quality yarn spinning machine. Providing trainings on organizational and business development. Advocates and advises on relevant policy improvement and amendment
2Production Assistance
Providing financial and technical assistance for natural fibre cultivation on private and common lands and ensuring raw material supply for a sustainable enterprise. Raising awareness on IPs rights over natural resources, including natural fibre and its market information.
3Marketing & Support
Developing market linkage for fibre-based products produced in rural areas. In order to unify Allo producers of the target VDCs, HNFF is facilitating in developing network creation between fibre-based producers and producer groups served by a community-managed social enterprise called “Allo Samaj”, meaning “Nettle Society”.Based in Khandbari, Allo Samaj will handle the supply of inputs, skill training, storage, record-keeping, quality control and marketing.
4Other Work Areas
HNFF has facilitated in establishing 59.5 kilowatts of community-based micro hydro projects (42 kilowatts in Chheskam in Solukhumbu district and 17.5 kilowatts in Lakuwa in Sankhuwasabha district) with financial and technical support and collaboration of Transrural Trust, Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Rural Energy Development Programme, District Development Committees, Village Development committees, and with substantial community participation. These micro hydro projects benefit 3,350 people from 752 households. With the installation of micro hydro, villagers are able to replace a very labour intensive and primitive method of sieving and grinding crops thus, extensively minimizing women’s chores. Since these intensive chores are also related to the growing uterine prolapse of rural women of Nepal, a reduction of this condition is also expected. Micro hydro installation is also opening up new opportunities for viable income generating activities in the villages as well as facilitating homework study by school pupils.