National meeting in Boda provided valuable opportunity for exchanging knowledge.

Tour of a successful example of organic farming. Few pests appeared, even though no pesticides were used

Support to agricultural cooperatives and Women Ending Hunger (WEH)

A total of 35 participants from three HFZs (19 members of WEH and 16 members of Village Development Committees (VDC), local residents' organizations supported by HFW) gathered at a national meeting held in Boda from March 20th -22nd.

At the opening ceremony government representatives and members of parliament each spoke from their own perspective about the commitment to end hunger and poverty. During the meeting participants discussed results of past activities and plans for future initiatives. They also formulated an agreement on creating an autonomous group independent of HFW's support, using as a reference the successful example of such an effort presented by speakers from different organizations. There was also a screening of an educational video on improving the social status of women, a tour of a successful example of organic farming, and consideration of future projects.

Most of the participants had previously had very few chances to travel outside of their villages. This meeting provided them with a valuable opportunity to share with each other their experiences of working to solve problems in their respective regions, and in doing so to learn from each other and deepen a sense of solidarity and friendship. The 100 people who participated in the project are now able to continue on their own and we plan to begin supporting a new group of local residents.