Success in Small Farmer Development: Paper making at Pang and Nanglibang, Nepal

A successful handmade paper project, part of Nepal's Small Farmer Development Programme, is described. Project “success” is analyzed in both economic and sociological terms. While the economics are important (with a guaranteed market and virtually no credit default), success is better measured in terms of contextual (sociological) variables,such as villager satisfaction and enthusiasm. Findings suggest that rural development success is enhanced by the sensitivity shown to local custom and tradition, and by an innovative pragmatic style of leadership that enables poor farmers to respond creatively and effectively to improve their quality of life.