Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD), Nepal

Naomi Happychuk was placed with LI-BIRD (Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development), a local NGO, which strives to enhance the livelihoods of rural poor and marginalized farmers through various technological, social, and participatory methodologies which contribute towards research and development in agriculture, biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management. She lived at the LIBIRD quarters in the bazaar areas of the remote mid-hill district of Jumla, which is one of the less developed regions in the country, where road and air access is irregular, and very few people speak English. Tasks and activities are dependent on the needs and interests of the organization and the student. Naomi conducted a study through focus group discussions on food changes and their drivers in Jumla and then another on women’s role in resource development in Rupa Lake.