Production credit for rural women has supported women's handicrafts as income generating activities such as rice straw paper making, agro-products and handicrafts. Women are more vulnerable than men. In a predominantly rural community that is involved in agriculture characterized by incidence of poverty, rural food security is a priority concern. Women as producers of food and livestock, as well as primary meal makers have an important responsibility to ensure household food security. As primary managers of livestock, women ensure a supply of high quality protein to the country.
Women dominate home garden production and thus contribute to improved variety in the family diet.
Women's role in fuel collection also has implications for household food security. Nepalese rural women's direct involvement in agricultural production and off-farm tasks contribute to the household food basket. References Bhatt, N., Shrestha, L., Thomas-Slayter, B. and Koirala, I. 1994. Rural Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, United Nations, New York. A Country Profile, United Nations, New York.