Nepal fact sheet
An overview of Nepal's development context shaping SNV and partners’ collaboration with national and local governments toward fostering inclusive, climate-resilient, and well-governed systems.
Abstract
In recent decades, Nepal has made significant strides in reducing poverty and improving services such as water, sanitation, and electrification. It has also diversified agriculture and other livelihoods, while better conserving its forests and wildlife. However, the country is navigating a complex transformation marked by growing climate vulnerabilities, youth outmigration, and political shifts. Amid these challenges, the country has the ambition to transition to developing country status, expected to occur in November 2026.
SNV has been a trusted development partner in Nepal since the early 1980s, operating across six of the seven provinces. It has supported the government in pioneering scalable programmes, such as the Improved Water Mills Programme and Biogas Support Programme—the latter has since been replicated in 27 countries. SNV has also implemented programmes strengthening local governance, community infrastructure, biodiversity, high-impact tourism, agriculture value chains, and water and sanitation.
Looking ahead, Nepal’s ambition for sustainable, inclusive growth calls for bold and mission-aligned strategies from development partners. SNV answers this call by deepening partnerships, unlocking climate finance, advancing technical expertise, embracing digitalisation, and ensuring operational excellence to transform agriculture, water, and energy sectors. It supports the government’s journey by strengthening governance, tackling climate change, and ensuring no one is left behind.
For more information
Visit the Nepal country page