The Food Security Education Project

The Food Security Education Project had its origins in 2022 when several retired agronomists and plant scientists, many experienced in Nepal and other developing countries, began discussing the problems and possibilities of providing in-country scholarships to Nepali students.  The exodus of academic talent was widely recognized, as were reasons for a reluctance to return to their home country.  The solution lay in educating students in their own country.  We believe good students, asking good questions and challenging their mentors and educators leads to a quality education and a deeper culture of learning.  We recognize the possibilities of distance learning as well as the shortcomings, and believe these can be addressed by providing subject matter experts in the more urgent fields of study.  The expectation is that these opportunities will benefit both students and faculty at host institutions.  We are heartened by the knowledge that many Nepali's hold qualified positions in the USA and many developed economies, and by the statement of a nonprofit mentor who advised that "Nepali's are voracious and determined academics."   

There are now 40 FSEP scholars pursuing B.Sc. degrees at numerous universities in Nepal.  In 2027 we will offer scholarships to another cohort to pursue studies in a food security science of their choosing, and will do so each year.  We have a brief biographical introduction to each scholar on our website at https://www.foodsecurityed.org, and are pleased with the academic progress they have made.  We continue to encourage them to greet fellow scholars and form like-minded interest groups to discuss solutions important to their country and take these relationships with them as they begin their careers in Nepal.

All scholars who remain in good standing are provided full academic support for the duration of their degree.  We have Memoranda of Understanding and excellent relationships with the universities these scholars attend.  We are aware of the most food insecure districts within Nepal and the academic disadvantages student face in their early education, affecting their ability to compete solely on the basis of academic measures.  We are aware of this bias and take it into consideration as well as the economic status of the student's family.

The following statistics demonstrate the magnitude of the need in Nepal:

B.Sc. applicants in:	No. Applicants:	Scholarship awards:
2025	412​	20
2026	279	22
2027	396	in-progress

Nepal is a low-income country with a very high burden of malnutrition, but demonstrated substantial progress over two decades - now disrupted by the withdrawal of USAID.  Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is spiking in vulnerable districts.  Biofortification (iron, folic acid) of food sources is increasingly important in Nepal, and dependent on an educated workforce.

MALNUTRITION CHARACTERISTIC:	'Under-fives'	Past progress:
Childhood stunting	Short height for age	Decrease from 57% to 30%
Childhood wasting ​	Low weight for height	Decrease from 15% to 10%
Underweight	Low weight for age	Decrease from 42% to 27%

In 2026  our Nepali colleagues advised we initiate a program to support scholarships for M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees.  As the current academics and administrators contemplate retirement, there is concern that talented individuals be available to assume these posts. The Nepali Agricultural Research Council has a systemic deficit of 230 of 410 scientist positions under active recruitment. 

The following projects are now underway:

PLEASE DONATE: Some examples of what your contribution will support:

Local transport to and from campus for one semester:	$75
Modest living expenses for one semester:	$150
Average tuition & fee expense for a merit scholar for one semester:	$300
Average University Development Fund (UDF) expense for full-fee scholars:	$1750
Tuition and fee expense for 1 year of M.Sc. degree (2 year/4 semester program):	$2100
A contribution to the average expense of an above mentioned PhD project:	$19,200
A contribution to entice subject matter experts to participate: (travel expense, per Diem, etc.):	??

Those of us who began this project are pleased with our progress-to-date.  We have learned much about the Nepali educational infrastructure, but still more to learn and absorb about Nepali culture.  We understand that the journey will not be a short one.  We have defined important metrics by which we will measure our progress.  For these and other details about our nonprofit please visit our website:  https://www.foodsecurityed.org