Organisation

SNV began working in Asia in 1980, building capacity and alleviating poverty in mid-western and eastern Nepal. We were one of the first organisations to reach out to some of the most remote areas of the country. In 1988, we opened offices in the small Himalayan nation of Bhutan, followed by an office in Vietnam in 1995, in Lao PDR in 2003, and Cambodia in 2005. More recently, SNV Asia has expanded to launch renewable energy programmes in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Our local and international advisors are working hand-in-hand with local actors in some of the remotest and poorest corners of Asia to strengthen their capacity to effectively realise poverty reduction and good governance.

Our strategy and focus has changed greatly in the thirty years we have been working in Asia. Research and experience has led us to move away from direct implementation and towards focusing on a more advisory capacity. We have made this move because we know it works best – by supporting local organisations and governments, we can reach a broader group of people, and ensure that our impact is more effective and sustainable.

As of the end of 2011, SNV Asia has achieved an outreach of some 4 million people (approx 900,000 households), who now benefit from impact in employment, increased income, food security, access to renewable energy, and access to water, sanitation and improved hygiene.