Ms. Devidra Sharma, a 59-year-old resident of Birendranagar Municipality, lives with her husband (59) and two daughters aged 21 and 23. Her family primarily depends on agriculture for their livelihood, including goat farming, poultry farming, and vegetable cultivation. Originally from Kalikot, she migrated to Surkhet in 2048 B.S. in search of better opportunities.

Prior to her participation in the Composting Training, Ms. Sharma had received basic training in vegetable farming from Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj, which included the distribution of pots and seasonal vegetable seeds. However, there remained a significant knowledge gap in waste segregation, sustainable waste management, and composting practices.

Upon recommendation from Birendranagar Municipality, Ms. Sharma was selected as a beneficiary and participated in a two-day composting training under the “Green steps: Empowering Nepal Through Waste Reduction Project” conducted by CLEAN UP NEPAL. The training covered key topics such as waste introduction, waste segregation, the 3Rs principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and practical composting techniques. It not only enhanced her understanding of sustainable waste management but also emphasized women’s empowerment, income generation opportunities, and community level awareness.

As part of the training, she received a composting kit that included compost bins, EM liquid, gloves, waste pickers, and masks. This support enabled her to immediately apply her learning at home.

The training significantly transformed Ms. Sharma’s perspective and daily practices. She began systematically segregating household waste into organic, non-organic, and reusable categories. Organic waste from her kitchen is now regularly processed in compost bins, producing nutrient-rich compost manure within approximately two months. With the technical knowledge gained, she effectively manages the composting process at home.

Currently, Ms. Sharma produces around 15-20 kg of compost manure per cycle. She utilizes the compost in her kitchen garden, shares it with neighbors, and has also identified a growing demand for it in the local market. This practice has not only improved household waste management but also contributed to her financial awareness and potential income generation.

She further suggests that supportive government policies or incentives for individuals engaged in compost production could enhance market opportunities and encourage wider adoption of sustainable practices.

The composting training has significantly transformed Ms. Sharma’s approach to household waste, turning it into a valuable resource. It has enhanced her awareness of sustainable practices while opening opportunities for income generation. She now actively promotes composting within her community, demonstrating the broader impact of such capacity-building initiatives.