This article was originally written by Biddhya Pandey, Agriculture Officer from Nepal Agriculture Co-operative Central Federation Ltd (NACCFL), and has been edited for clarity and format to suit this publication.
The Kebalpur Women Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Ltd (SFACL), located in Thakre Rural Municipality of Dhading District, stands as one of the most active and inclusive examples of women-led cooperative action in Nepal. Established in 1999, it emerged as one of the first advocates for the concept of saving, at a time when the practice was still unfamiliar to many farmers in the community.
Apsara Adhikari, Chairperson of Kebalpur Women Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Ltd, shared a vivid memory of those early days:
“Farmers did not have the habit or awareness of saving money, so we launched a campaign where every member was asked to put aside just a handful of rice every day for 30 days. Over time, this small gesture cultivated the discipline of saving.”
Apsara Adhikari, Chairperson of Kebalpur Women Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Ltd, giving insights into cooperative origin, activities and future plan. ©NACCFL.
Planting the Roots of Financial Resilience
Encouraged by the spirit of collective savings, members gradually transitioned from saving rice to saving cash, starting with just a single rupee and later growing to NPR 100 (USD$0.71) or even NPR 500 (USD$3.5). These contributions, deposited into the cooperative, formed the foundation for providing financial services to the community.
During its initial year, the cooperative focused on fulfilling basic household needs by offering small loans that helped member families meet their day-to-day expenses. As confidence and trust grew, so did the cooperative’s vision. The cooperative began motivating farmers to think beyond subsistence and gradually embrace commercialisation.
Nurturing Growth with Accessible Loans
Today, with a strong membership base of 1,240 women, Kebalpur SFACL provides affordable loans at minimal interest rates, enabling its members to invest in agriculture, livestock, fishery and small businesses, thereby fostering resilience and economic empowerment in the community.
Over the years, the cooperative has built a strong financial foundation. With an internal resource fund of NPR 16 crore 63 lakh (USD$1.18 million) and a bank loan portfolio amounting to NPR 14 crore 97 lakh (USD$1.16 million), it has invested nearly NPR 25 crores (USD$1.77 million) into agriculture and production-related activities. This financial strength has allowed the cooperative to provide a wide range of services, from savings mobilisation and simplified loan application processes to livestock insurance and agricultural support. One particularly successful initiative of rural financing through cooperative is the revolving livestock fund.
Model of Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Ltd (SFACL). ©NACCFL.
Through this program, members receive NPR 5,000 (USD$35) to rear goats, NPR 10,000 (USD$71) for male goats, and NPR 15,000 (USD$106) for cattle. The funds are provided on a revolving basis, to be returned within a year, thereby extending the benefit to more members over time. So far, 67 women have taken part in this initiative, many of whom shared that the program has significantly boosted their household income and food security.
Empowering Women through Support and Skills
In addition, social welfare initiatives—such as a support fund for shareholders’ families during times of family bereavement and a maternity support fund are being implemented. The cooperative’s maternity support program, which provides NPR 2,500 (USD$18) to women during childbirth, has benefited 25 mothers to date, reflecting its commitment to social protection.
The cooperative also runs capacity-building and skill-enhancement programs. Training on business commercialisation, the provision of agricultural equipment and fertiliser support, and innovative social schemes have empowered members to diversify their livelihoods. To support its members further, the cooperative has established its own cooperative-run shop where local products and essential goods are sold. This not only creates a market for members’ produce but also strengthens the local economy.
Family farmers from the Kebalpur Women Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperative Ltd. ©NACCFL.
