Nepal, May 7 -- In Nepal land is not only a source of livelihood but is closely tied to one's identity, dignity, and a prerequisite to access to essential services. Governmental services including agricultural inputs, credit, electricity, water and financial services require land ownership. Hence landless or functionally landless are systematically excluded from these benefits affecting both individual and family rights. As such landlessness expands poverty and marginalization.

An estimated 1.3 million families are without formal land ownership:often residing in areasat risks of displacement and disasters. The Nepalese government, in relations, has taken several policies and legal initiatives but challenges in implementation remain.

For...