ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION IN JHUMLAWANG: A COMMUNITY-BASED AGROECOLOGY INITIATIVE

This study explores the impact of a community-based agroecology initiative in Jhumlawang, Nepal, on food security and nutritional outcomes. Jhumlawang faces challenges due to its remote location, limited access to resources, and traditional slash-and-burn agriculture. Agroecology offers a solution by integrating ecological principles into agricultural practices.The initiative introduced kitchen gardens, diversified crops, and organic farming methods. Local knowledge and participation were central to the project's design and implementation. Data from 132 households revealed significant improvements in food security, with the average number of food-secure months increasing from 8 to 10. Nutritional diversity also improved, with a 55% increase in households reporting dietary changes and a 30% rise in vegetable intake. Malnutrition rates among children under five decreased from 25% to 15%.The study highlights the positive impact of agroecology on food security and nutrition in rural communities. Challenges remain, such as access to organic inputs and local markets. The success of this initiative suggests that agroecology can be a powerful tool for achieving sustainable development goals.