Chepang & Foraging

Foraging is an art that connects people with nature through gathering wild, organic, and healthy foods like plants, berries, and nuts. It offers a unique way to explore the environment, appreciate biodiversity, and obtain fresh, nutrient-rich foods untouched by industrial processes. Responsible foraging promotes sustainability by respecting ecosystems and plant cycles. It's a fulfilling way to engage with nature while accessing wholesome, natural foods.

The Chepang people, an indigenous group in Nepal, have a strong connection to jungles, often settling nearby. Skilled in jungle survival, they navigate and utilize forest resources for sustenance, displaying expertise in foraging, hunting, and identifying natural resources. This close bond with the jungle shapes their cultural identity and traditions, showcasing their resilience and deep understanding of the natural world.

In Nepal, the Chepang community, also known as Praja after a name change during the Panchyat era, remains a deeply marginalized indigenous group. With an estimated population of 70,000 individuals scattered across Chitwan, Makawanpur, Dhading, and Gorkha districts, they have faced historical challenges despite constitutional provisions for their upliftment.

Traditionally residing near forest areas, the Chepangs have sustained themselves through hunting, fishing, and foraging. However, limited opportunities, reliance on subsistence farming, and a dependence on external aid have perpetuated their marginalization. Shockingly, around 90% of Chepang people live below the poverty line, surviving on an average annual income of merely $50 per person. This dire situation severely constrains their access to fundamental necessities such as education and healthcare.

Addressing the plight of the Chepang community calls for a multifaceted approach. Nepal's constitutional reforms, particularly Articles 18, 42, and 56, explicitly advocate for equality, social inclusion, and decentralized governance. These provisions aim to empower and uplift marginalized groups like the Chepangs through their representation in political spheres.

However, despite constitutional promises, political changes have not translated into substantial improvements for indigenous communities like the Chepang. The prevailing political landscape tends to exploit these groups as mere vote banks, while influential individuals wield decision-making power, perpetuating exclusion and marginalization.

Moreover, a lack of awareness among a significant segment of the Chepang population, primarily seeking short-term benefits, poses an advantage for politicians vying for office. This scenario enables opportunistic politicians to secure votes without genuinely addressing the long-standing issues faced by the Chepang community.

Meaningful representation in politics, coupled with effective governance mechanisms at federal, provincial, and local levels, can pave the way for addressing the longstanding issues faced by the Chepang people. It is imperative that policymakers and elected officials earnestly prioritize the concerns of marginalized communities like the Chepangs to bring about sustainable change and genuine empowerment.