Phase 2: Conduct of a Proof of Concept "Pilot Project"
The conduct of a "Pilot Project" will help provide much needed information regarding the issues that we may encounter in conducting the full project. The pilot project as presently envisioned involves the purchase of a small parcel of land, placing the land into agricultural production with farming performed by up to five local families. The families would also live on the land in homes that they would help to construct.
As part of the pilot project, we will work through the processes required to purchase the land. We will determine the level of interest among local families for farming the land and for living on the land. We also hope to find out the government's reaction to the project. Importantly, we hope to learn what the local reaction to the project will be among area residents and to determine whether the project may create envy or antagonism towards project participants.
Current Pilot Project Status
We have begun to work with a local Tilahi area resident, Jay Mendel, to find out what land may be available for purchase and what the cost of the land will be. The land that we are exploring for purchase will be suitable for agricultural production and will have access to irrigation water. Our target land size is two to three acres. As part of the pilot project, we would also purchase crop seeds and basic farming tools.
Please stay tuned for further pilot project updates.
Determination of how much land is needed?
Excellent question! We have yet to run the math to determine how many acres will be required to provide for up to five families who will be part of the pilot project. Analysis will be required to estimate the areas needed for agriculture purposes, housing and sanitation. The estimate will need to conform to Nepal customs and practices and not to US based standards.
Current Status
This step of the project has not been initiated and awaits local information.
Finding Suitable Property
The land purchase process in Tilahi is very different than in the US. It's not like you go to MLS or look online for property that meets your requirements. In contrast, from what we presently understand, you let it be known that you are interested in purchasing land. You are then contacted by landowners who are interested in selling -- and from what we hear there are many of them who are interested since they are in need of money.
Current Status
This step of the project has not been initiated and awaits the local information.
Land Purchase Process
The land purchase process in Tilahi is very different than in the US. It's not like you go to MLS or look online for property that meets your requirements. In contrast, from what we presently understand, you let it be known that you are interested in purchasing land. You are then contacted by land owners who are interested in selling -- and from what we hear there are many of them who are interested since they are in need of money.
Current Status
This step of the project has not been initiated and awaits the successful completion of the pilot project.
And who will own the property?
Ten Friends will not be an owner of the property. The land will need to be purchased by and owned by a Nepal based entity or individual. We will be looking to partner with a Nepal based NGO for arranging for the property's ownership.
One import factor in this will be to assure that the land is "permanently" owned and that it cannot be sold off thereby assuring that community members will not be forced off the land.
Current Status
This step of the project has not been initiated and awaits the successful completion of the pilot project.
Negotiating the purchase
The actual purchase process is still somewhat of an unknown to Ten Friends. We will need to research the purchase and registration process. In addition, we will need to research the annual municipal house and property taxes requirements.
We envision purchasing the property outright and do not want to rely on financing the purchase through loans or a mortgage that requires annual payments. A strategy for paying property taxes and other annual fees will need to be developed. We envision that our funding strategy will include a reserve fund for assuring our ability to pay required annual amounts and not have us scrambled each year to raise required funds.
Current Status
This step of the project has not been initiated and awaits the successful completion of the pilot project.