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The BioVillage Khokana Project is a 34-month integrated rural development initiative in Khokana, Ward 21, Lalitpur Metropolitan City - a UNESCO-nominated Newari heritage village approximately 8 km south of Kathmandu. The project advances water security, circular waste-to-resource systems, green livelihoods, digital inclusion, and AI-enabled farming advisory services for a farming community of approximately 4,927 residents (1,056 households).
A structured community needs assessment of 201 households (Octoberâ€"December 2025) confirmed acute need: 77.6% of households lack reliable irrigation, only 44% access non-local markets, and open waste dumping remains prevalent despite high cooperative membership (79.6%). These findings - rooted in decades of agricultural dependence and limited market integration - justify an integrated Biovillage model.
The project directly benefits 150+ trained residents, 80+ households gaining improved water access, and 100+ farmers accessing AI advisory tools, targeting a minimum 30% average income increase by project close.
Implementation is anchored in a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between:
• Rotary Club of Mount Everest, Lalitpur - Host Club and primary implementing Rotary partner
• International Partner Rotary Club (to be confirmed per Section 4) - Global grant co-sponsor
• The Rotary Foundation - Global Grant funding and compliance oversight
• Khokana Ward Office, Lalitpur Metropolitan City - Land and irrigation infrastructure custodian
Land (approximately 20 ropani) and primary irrigation infrastructure are provided in-kind by the Ward Office. The Ward Office retains long-term management responsibility; assets created are transferred to community institutions upon project completion, ensuring institutional sustainability beyond the grant period.
Total project budget: USD 53,000 (cash: USD 42,000 + in-kind land and infrastructure from Ward Office). The Rotary Foundation's World Fund will provide matching contributions as per global grant guidelines.
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