This region has been air-lifting food for last 25 years. The district has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. Klep seeks to build the capacity of local institutions in responding such issues as efficient use of external  assistance is key considerations.

FO was involved in Mugu district famed for Nepal's prestine lake Rara back  in 2001. This involvement led back to the district as an entry to its plan to concentration in Karnali, the region with least HDI score. Owing to the need felt to support local NGOs, Karnali Livelihood and Empowerment Program KLEP is being run in collaboration with CAED, one of Fastenopfer's strategic partners. Earlier, FO made efforts to work directly with local NGOs with limited support from a consultant for a couple of years between 2005-2008. 

Focus of the program is on food security, social inclusion of dalits and janjatis and women (uterine prolapse taken as an entry point). KLEP has a two pronged approach: while it implements a integrated community development programme in Dhaina - an area perhaps with world's lowest HDI boardering similar areas in Bajura and Humla districts, it supports following district-based NGOs on the corresponding themes (2008):

• Malika Community Development Centre - food security advocacy and dialogue
• Karnali Integrated Women's Development Forum - gender interwoven with uterine prolapse
• Karani Community Development Centre - rights of indigenous peoples and education
• Institution to work with dalits yet to be identified.

With prospects to extension, the programme is designed for 5 years.