Participatory guarantee group aims to empower small farmers in Nepal

Small farmers in remote communities often face two linked challenges: finding reliable markets and meeting consumers’ demand for locally produced, responsibly grown food. A Participatory Guarantee System, commonly called PGS, is one approach intended to bring those needs together.

PGS is a locally focused form of quality assurance. Rather than relying only on an outside certifier, farmers and other participants agree standards, review practices and build accountability through direct involvement. For consumers, that can make the origin of food and the methods used to grow it easier to understand.

A local network for growers

The model can offer more than a label. Farmers may receive training in organic practices, exchange knowledge with peers and establish ongoing purchasing relationships with local buyers. Reducing dependence on pesticides can benefit growers, consumers and the land when the agreed practices are followed consistently.

A programme in Surkhet brought the approach to a group of small farmers through training and mentorship in organic methods. It also involved agricultural and policy partners working in Karnali Province.

The Sana Kisan PGS Management Group was formed in 2018 with 22 women members. The group subsequently received recognition as a PGS group, enabling its members to present their produce under an agreed local assurance framework.

Recognition matters because it can validate organic practices while helping a farmers’ group approach more buyers in its community and region.

The group developed guidelines for growing food with organic practices and created opportunities for members to learn from one another. Its produce has included local food supplied through community purchasing arrangements.

What is a Participatory Guarantee System?

A PGS is a quality-assurance system based on the active involvement of stakeholders, particularly producers and consumers. Participants determine standards, monitor whether commitments are being met and exchange knowledge about production.

The approach is built around trust, but trust is paired with practical processes. Those can include farm visits, record keeping, group decisions, corrective action and transparent communication. The precise arrangements depend on the group and its local context.

Learning and capacity building are central. Farmers can share resources and experience, while technical advisers can help the group improve soil care, pest management and crop planning. Over time, stronger methods may improve the reliability and quality of production, although outcomes depend on conditions and implementation.

Why use PGS instead of third-party certification?

Independent organic certification can be useful, especially where produce is intended for larger or international markets. For a small farmer, however, its paperwork and cost may be difficult to manage.

PGS is designed as a local alternative. Its processes can be adapted to community circumstances and can make certification more accessible to small producers. The trade-off is that recognition and market acceptance may be more local in scope, making clear communication about standards especially important.

Neither system removes the need for credible oversight. A successful PGS requires documented expectations, active participation, consistent review and a way to respond when standards are not met.

Why it matters for local food systems

When farmers and consumers can understand each other’s expectations, local food networks may become more dependable. Growers gain feedback and potential buyers; consumers gain greater visibility into where food comes from and how it is produced.

For groups such as the one in Surkhet, certification is best understood as one step in a longer process. Training, market relationships, transparent checks and continued group participation determine whether the model delivers lasting value.