The district of Humla lies in the NW corner of Nepal, bordering Tibet, India and Nepali districts of Bajura, Bajhang, Doti and Mugu. ‘Altitude in the region varies between 1,219 and 7,315 metres above sea level. The second largest district in Nepal, Humla district covers an area of 5,655km2, has a population of approximately 34,383 and ranks 4th from poorest in the ranking of the 75 districts of Nepal, according a 'composite index of development'. In Humla, mountainous terrain accounts for over 50% of the total land area so only around 1% of land is devoted to agriculture, while high altitude pasture accounts for another 24%. Despite this, agriculture is the main occupation in Humla, and 98% of the population are engaged in seasonal agricultural activities, which for the majority, is their primary source of income. Because of a lack of suitable flat land (some 91.87% of the total land area of Humla District is located in areas with more than 30o of slope), a cold climate, and poor irrigation and fertiliser availability, overall productivity is very low. In villages situated above 2,760m, productivity issues are worsened by the inability to grow more than one crop per year. Per capita calorific values for food production are 1,132 kcal, the second lowest in Nepal. Because of lack of alternative incomes (only 7.7% of the population are engaged in regular non-agricultural activities), the population is extremely vulnerable to drought, crop failure, pest damage and other natural calamities. Widespread food deficits are common, and most families produce only sufficient food for between three and six months. To meet the shortfall, most rely on unsustainable trade practices in timber and herbal products with the Chinese border and lowland Nepal and/or meagre subsidised food rations airlifted into Simikot by the Nepal Food Corporation.
