The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD), in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in Nepal, today launched a precious new development tool for remote communities - the Village Development Periodic Plan (VDPP) in Jumla.

The process of creating such integrated plans - to promote bottom-up planning, good governance and social inclusion began in 2013 among the Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Jumla, Mugu, Doti and Bajura Districts.

“I am very pleased this event is taking place today in Jumla for the launch of such an important and valuable tool that will allow development resources to be streamlined and better-matched with local needs,” said WFP Nepal Representative Nicole Menage.

“This is the result of an intensive planning process over the past months led by MoFALD, which has brought together the Government, WFP, HELVETAS and all the concerned agencies,” said Menage.

“A periodic planning document such as this is a valuable instrument for promoting democracy and making the local planning process more socially inclusive, transparent, responsible and accountable. The VDCs now have a framework to help them prioritize their investments in development,” said Dr. Bharat Kumar Pokharel, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Deputy Country Director.

The event was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Federal Affairs and Local Development Prakash Man Singh, senior officials from local government bodies, civil society and development partners.

In Nepal, WFP has been actively supporting the Government of Nepal in tackling food insecurity while focusing on social safety nets in the areas of health, education and rural livelihoods. In 2014, WFP Nepal plans to provide food and cash assistance to about 500,000 food-insecure people, mainly in the Mid- and Far-Western hill and mountain areas.