Top Navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Mission and Vision
  • Donate
    • Why Donate
    • Payment Methods
Main Navigation
  • News
  • National
  • Environment
    • Climate
    • Conservation
    • Biodiversity
    • Natural Disasters
    • Pollution
    • Energy
    • Ecology
  • Opinion
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Profiles
  • Travels
  • World
  • More
    • Events
    • Lifestyle
    • Multimedia
    • Research
    • Publications
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Mission and Vision
  • Donate
    • Why Donate
    • Payment Methods
  • News
  • National
  • Environment
    • Climate
    • Conservation
    • Biodiversity
    • Natural Disasters
    • Pollution
    • Energy
    • Ecology
  • Opinion
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Profiles
  • Travels
  • World
  • More
    • Events
    • Lifestyle
    • Multimedia
    • Research
    • Publications
Search Here
Profiles
  • Home
  • Profiles
  • Digopan: A Rural Cooperative Championing Sustainability and Self-Reliance in Nepal
Digopan: A Rural Cooperative Championing Sustainability and Self-Reliance in Nepal
Ecosphere News Correspondent
Ecosphere News Correspondent 2025-07-31 12:54:00

Morang, July 31, 2025

In the eastern heart of rural Nepal, a remarkable story of transformation and resilience is unfolding. What began as a small network of self-help groups (SHGs) has now grown into a powerful symbol of sustainable grassroots development. Registered officially in 2068 B.S. (2011 A.D.), Digopan Sustainable Empowerment Women’s Cooperative (SEWC) today stands as a beacon of self-reliance, sustainability, and collective empowerment.

"Digopan" - meaning sustainability in Nepali - is more than just a name. It’s a lived reality for over 1,000 women and 17 men who are part of this cooperative. What started as informal savings circles contributing as little as Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 per month has evolved into a formal financial network where members now contribute Rs. 200 monthly, enabling long-term community investment.

The roots of Digopan trace back to a Cornerstone training facilitated by Heifer International, particularly inspired by Cornerstone 4: Sustainability and Self-Reliance. Members say the training didn’t just teach skills - it reshaped their mindset. “We began to believe in our own potential. We saw that we had value. And that together, we had real power,” one founding member reflected.

Since its formal registration with 28 SHGs, Digopan has expanded to include 72 groups and 1,055 share members, largely led by women from farming and marginalized communities. Their activities range from goat farming and meat sales to animal feed distribution, insurance services, and local product marketing. In addition, the cooperative is embracing digital tools such as GeoKrishi, Fonepay, and QR code systems to modernize their operations and improve outreach.

Their recent recognition by the local community - a money counting machine gifted to the cooperative - symbolizes not only growing financial literacy but also community pride in Digopan’s achievements.

Despite numerous challenges - from limited infrastructure to fluctuating markets - Digopan has remained steadfast in its mission. “We weren’t looking for short-term fixes. We wanted something real: strength, dignity, and a future we could stand on with pride,” shared a cooperative leader.

As International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC2025) puts a global spotlight on inclusive and sustainable economies, Digopan SEWC serves as a powerful local example. It demonstrates how empowered women, community-led planning, and consistent commitment to sustainability can bring about lasting change.

Key Highlights

Founded: Informally in 2065 B.S., officially registered in 2068 B.S.

Members: 1,055 share members (predominantly women)

SHGs: 72 active groups

Economic Sectors: Goat farming, animal feed, insurance, meat sales, local product marketing

Tech Tools Used: GeoKrishi, Fonepay, QR Code systems

Recent Recognition: Gifted a money counting machine by the local communityFB_IMG_1753945422435-1753946086.jpg

In a world seeking models of grassroots resilience and inclusive growth, Digopan proves that real sustainability begins when communities believe in themselves - and in each other.


Published Date 2025-07-31 12:54:00
Comments
More Profiles
Luna Luitel Crowned Miss Nepal 2025: An Inspiration for Youth Choosing to Stay Rooted in Nepal
Luna Luitel Crowned Miss Nepal 2025: An Inspiration for Youth Choosing to Stay Rooted in Nepal 2025-08-31 08:46:00
Apples Thrive in Kavre: A Local Farmer's Success Story Sparks Agricultural Inspiration
Apples Thrive in Kavre: A Local Farmer's Success Story Sparks Agricultural Inspiration 2025-07-09 07:59:00
Hidden Wealth in Pumpkin Vines: A Success Story from Rampur Village
Hidden Wealth in Pumpkin Vines: A Success Story from Rampur Village 2025-06-19 08:46:18
Vasumitra Pandey: Driving Innovation and Excellence as Surya Roshni’s President and COO
Vasumitra Pandey: Driving Innovation and Excellence as Surya Roshni’s President and COO 2025-05-30 09:04:00
Deego Nepal: Empowering Women and Driving Sustainable Innovation
Deego Nepal: Empowering Women and Driving Sustainable Innovation 2025-05-17 12:36:00
Shangri-La Orphanage Home Celebrates 25 Years of Transformative Impact on Vulnerable Children in Nepal
Shangri-La Orphanage Home Celebrates 25 Years of Transformative Impact on Vulnerable Children in Nepal 2025-04-19 15:29:00
Most Loved
  • Week
  • Month
Citizens’ Open Letter to New Prime Minister Highlights Wounds of Gen Z Movement
Citizens’ Open Letter to New Prime Minister Highlights Wounds of Gen Z Movement
Ashes of a Nation: When Gen-Z’s Sacrifice Was Stolen
Ashes of a Nation: When Gen-Z’s Sacrifice Was Stolen
Shivapuri’s Green Slopes Under Pressure: Balancing Conservation and Development in Nuwakot
Shivapuri’s Green Slopes Under Pressure: Balancing Conservation and Development in Nuwakot
Sushila Karki Becomes Nepal’s First Female Prime Minister, Taking Oath Alongside President Ramchandra Poudel
Sushila Karki Becomes Nepal’s First Female Prime Minister, Taking Oath Alongside President Ramchandra Poudel
Tourism Sector Revives: Nepal Declares Safe and Ready to Welcome Visitors
Tourism Sector Revives: Nepal Declares Safe and Ready to Welcome Visitors
Prakriti Resort and Organic Farm A Journey Rooted from Sustainable Tourism to Regenerative Tourism
Prakriti Resort and Organic Farm A Journey Rooted from Sustainable Tourism to Regenerative Tourism
Surya Roshni Ltd Announces New Launches in Wires, Water Heaters, and Water Storage Solutions
Surya Roshni Ltd Announces New Launches in Wires, Water Heaters, and Water Storage Solutions
Luna Luitel Crowned Miss Nepal 2025: An Inspiration for Youth Choosing to Stay Rooted in Nepal
Luna Luitel Crowned Miss Nepal 2025: An Inspiration for Youth Choosing to Stay Rooted in Nepal
Unsafe Road Condition Puts Travelers at Risk on Keureni–Khalte–Sunaulabazar Route
Unsafe Road Condition Puts Travelers at Risk on Keureni–Khalte–Sunaulabazar Route
KU School of Education and ETH Zurich Conclude Two-Day Workshop on Case-Based Learning in Lalitpur
KU School of Education and ETH Zurich Conclude Two-Day Workshop on Case-Based Learning in Lalitpur
Contact Us

News Desk

Ecosphere News
Chakupat, Lalitpur, Nepal
Phone : +977-01-5400646
Email: [email protected] www.ecospherenews.com

Sales & Marketing

Email: [email protected]
Cell Phone: 9820631466 / 9767470774
Media Details
Publisher Ecosphere News and Travels Pvt. Ltd.
DOIB Registration No. 4699-2081/2082
Editor Ganesh Khatiwada
Follow us on Twiitter https://twitter.com/EcosphereNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Like us on Facebook
Ecosphere News Environmental & Developmental Issues
© 2025 Ecosphere News Environmental & Developmental Issues. All Rights Reserved. Site by: SoftNEP

SoftNEP News Alert

अख्तियार स्वतन्त्र निकाय भएकाले वाइडबडि छानबिनमा अहिलेसम्‍म कुनै किसिमको राजनीतिक दबाब आएको छैन।स्वतन्त्र ढंगले काम गरिरहेका छौ।
सदस्यता लिनुहोस्