Scaling climate finance to empower women and farmers

Pickles have long been a staple of Nepali cuisine, providing bursts of flavour to every meal. Beyond their cultural significance, they can also improve livelihoods. This was demonstrated by one entrepreneurial woman-owned pickling company supported by SNV through the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD). This initiative shows how climate finance can effectively reach underserved communities through an aggregator model approach, bridging the financing gap while preserving indigenous processing methods and supporting local food systems.

In Nepal, where pickles hold a cherished place on dining tables, a pickling company located just an hour from Kathmandu is making waves in both local and international markets. This company not only produces tasty hand-made pickles using indigenous methods, but also integrates sustainable practices to create economic opportunities for smallholder farmers and women workers.

"I loved to make pickles using traditional Nepali methods and spices, and my friends encouraged me to try different varieties," explains Basu Maya Tamang, Director of Nepali Mann Udyog Ltd. "It took me, as a single woman, considerable time and many challenges to establish the company, register it with relevant authorities, get quality certification, and set up proper packaging facilities. I am where I am today after more than 15 years of struggle."

With a total business size of EUR 1.5 million, Nepali Mann Udyog Ltd has applied for a EUR 500,000 investment from NMB Bank, a DFCD partner. The funding will aim to enhance the company's operations by introducing mechanisation to increase productivity while ensuring the traditional hand-crafted quality remains intact. This aligns with SNV’s mission of transforming vital systems to create sustainable and equitable futures.

At the heart of this business are women. Owned and operated by Basu Maya Tamang, the company employs a workforce that is 90% female. This reflects the cultural reality in Nepal, where women are deeply involved in food production and where rates of male outmigration have been rising. Their efforts beneficial for their economic empowerment as well as for their and their families' livelihoods.

"My thinking from the start was to help struggling women like me through my business, hence I only recruited women for making pickles," says Basu Maya. "I see myself or my reflection when I see my fellow women employees making pickle in my factory, and that gives me immense satisfaction."

Bimala Tamang, who has worked at the factory for eight years, shares how this job has changed her life: "My income from this job has helped us pay for my children’s education and support my family. I feel proud that I am using my skills to earn and contribute to the education of my two children."

The company sources 90% of its raw materials from Nepali smallholder farmers, creating a dependable market for surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste due to seasonality. This ensures that economic benefits reach the grassroots level, fostering resilience among farmers.

"It’s all women who make pickles here, so we talk, chat, and work as close friends throughout the day," adds Bimala. "I know that our pickles are enjoyed by Nepali people in different countries, and this makes me very proud."

In addition, Bimala says, "it’s inspiring to work for a woman-led company. She understands our feelings and domestic issues because she also had a similar background.”

The impact of this initiative is rooted in a financing approach designed to overcome barriers specific to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) – the aggregator model.

The aggregator model addresses the challenges of scaling investments in LDCs by partnering with an intermediary financial institution (a local bank). In this case, the DFCD partnered with NMB Bank, enabling it to channel smaller ticket-size investments to businesses that require them. For LDC economies like Nepal, where DFCD’s direct investment sizes may be too large, this model bridges the gap, ensuring that impactful businesses like this pickling company can access the funding they need to grow.

"I am thankful to NMB Bank for trusting me and my business and agreeing to invest. They connected me with SNV and this project," says Basu Maya. "This support will be instrumental in my plan to expand my business in Nepal and globally." She continues, “Currently, I have 21 products and my outreach is in a few countries but I have ambition to add more indigenous Nepali products beyond pickles, and reach more countries.”

By working through trusted local banks, DFCD and SNV ensure that financing reaches businesses at the right scale, empowering local entrepreneurs while maintaining oversight and financial requirements. This model also helps strengthen local financial ecosystems, further contributing to long-term development goals.

While most of the company’s pickles are sold in small stores across Nepal, there is a growing export market. With Kathmandu as its largest domestic market—home to a third of Nepal’s population—the company’s reach continues to expand. Its affordability ensures that pickles remain accessible to a wide range of consumers, supporting food and nutrition security.

The journey of this pickling company demonstrates that scaling sustainable impact requires collaboration and innovation. Through the DFCD aggregator model, investments are strategically distributed, ensuring that businesses in LDC economies can access the support they need. This case stands as a testament to the power of partnership and local empowerment, proving that sometimes, the smallest ingredients can make the biggest difference.