The Upper Dolpo is ecologically fragile. Rainfall is low and the poor-quality soil is difficult to farm. Agricultural holdings per household are the smallest in the country. Household food insecurity and poor nutrition are major concerns. Most rural households have little or no access to primary health care, education, safe drinking water, sanitation or other basic services. 

Many live in extreme poverty, without any means of improving conditions for themselves and their families. Being ‘needed at home’ is a major reason why children, especially girls from poor families, drop out of school. When children need to work rather than attend school the cycle of poverty cannot be broken.