USAID closure harms pro-democracy development efforts in Nepal

The aid agency supported Nepal’s civil society and local governance. Now NGO sector leaders are scrambling for an alternative funding, with eyes on China and India.

Ajay Das served as programme director for the Asia Foundation’s Civil Society and Media programme for two and a half years. The project was funded by the USAID, but in January, Das’ team got word that the Trump administration had canceled their five-year budget worth $18.5 million—and their project would have to stop.