When Doctor Manoj Kumar Shahi became a veterinarian 10 years ago, he took an oath: “to use my skills for the benefit of farmers and society.” It wasn't a difficult promise to keep until he was appointed as a veterinary officer in Darchula, a district 950 kilometers north of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. Located in a cold Himalayan region at an altitude ranging from 1 200 to 5 000 metres above sea level, the Darchula district is among the country’s highest human settlements.

Even though the district has verdant lands that make it an ideal spot to graze livestock, it remains challenging to reach due to poor road conditions.